Maternal Love

The Oaks Residential Home, visiting my aunt

Lily sits in a high back chair
her vacant eyes stare into limbo
soft music plays in the background
her ears do not hear the notes
she has a pink scarf at her throat
hiding her wrinkled skin
on her chest her baby rests
snuggled in a shawl
a mother’s tenderness
can’t be mistaken
her thin fingers caress that child
with delicate slow movement
over and over again
and no one can prise that doll
from her even though
the lunch bell rings

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

beautifully said, Chris ... the tragedy overcome by this mother in her everlasting remembrances of her child ... so serene and helps family to see something poetic in loss of so many other things .. well done .. your poem blesses my heart dear friend
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for your lovely comment. When I visit my 92 year old aunt in a residential home for sufferers of dementia, there is much to observe. Some moments can be very touching. Hope all is good with you and I send greetings to you for Christmas, not far away now.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

back at ya Chris! lots of stuff on Face Book about bringing Jesus back into Christmas .. it occurred to me ... He never has left ;)

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are :)

[Stella Armour]

Aww , how lovely for her to be so caring of her "baby".
Truly heartwarming Chris ..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Stella. It was a most touching moment to see. I hope all is well in your world 🌹

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... the aging folks are fortunate to be warm and a comfortable setting with food and caring... a beautiful Poem. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for your kind words 🌹

[Sami Khalil]

Amazing how inanimate objects become symbols or representation.

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you for your great empathy and sharing about her precious doll.

[Chris Shaw]

You are too kind Sami. Thank you too

[Lorry]

She visits, keeps her company and doesn't cry whine snd moan all the time. Who says family are irreplaceable? 😃
A very poignant and beautiful tale told.

[Chris Shaw]

That doll is always with her Lorry. So sad that there are very few visits from relatives in this residential home, but you are right, they might be the whiners and moaners. Many thanks for gracing my page. Getting colder here by the hour.

Chris

[Lorry]

During our current rain and wind warnings, there is now a "snowbomb" warning in place!
I think the animals are right with their hibernation and when you think about it us celts are from HIBERNia! 😃

[Aarti Sriram]

Feel for the old dear Lily. You paint the poem delicately and as always the truth is harsh Chris. Last month we had a small dance and delight programme at a nearby old age home during Diwali. Had lit up their community hall with colourful lights and, festive décor. The staff had organised warm refreshments and the senior citizens came out one by one to know what was happening. They were so tender and child like and assumed we were their family. One or two wheel chair bound older women were clueless but by and large this event was welcomed. It gave us a chance to reflect closely on our lives when we get older and perhaps dependant! Hopefully never and my prayers for life to be easy on the less fortunate ones. Very sad doll story as I image Lily here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Aarti so much for your touching share. We never know what the future holds for us. There are many similar to Lily and it is so sad that they don’t get many visitors. The staff in this residential home are so caring. I really value your comments and thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Aarti Sriram]

Welcome and a warm happy weekend to you too Chris dear...

[Betty Hermelee]

A very real and poignant portrayal of what it is like to be in a residential....all alone in one's own world...gazing into nowhere clutching a doll that one cannot take from her....almost like child-like behavior...I have a good friend in a similar situation...and it brings tears to my eyes... this is very empathetic and warm Chris...sad too.
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

If you have a friend in a similar situation Betty, you will fully understand how touching this moment was. We never know what life has in store for us. Thank you for another lovely review. You are very much appreciated Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

my pleasure dear Chris
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷🌷