A head in the bed
A head in the bed
All you can see is a head in the bed
With covers pulled up to her chin
All you can see is a head in the bed
They wake her to move her
To wash and to feed her
And then they tuck in the head in the bed
She used to grow flowers
And never sit still
Back in the old days, before she got ill
Now all they see is a head in the bed
They wash her and move her
And make sure she's fed
Written by Simone 25 January 2010
This poem is written with regards to an elderly relative who resides in a care home.
That's such a kind thought of you Simone. Unfortunately we can't do anything against illness and oldness. xxx
ReplyDeleteLovely poem.
ReplyDeleteHi Simone.. It can be difficult to watch someone you love grow old sometimes. It seems a shame, that not everyone can tell at a glance what a remarkable person once radiated from this body now confined to a bed. ~tina
ReplyDeletesad but a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteLove
Lyn
xxx
Oh Simone - it's Wonderful! Sad of course, but Wonderful. Reminds me of my poor Nan - she was always so bright and energetic, she did not enjoy her last months of being dependant on others and eventualy bedridden. Your poem says it all, I am so grateful to have read it.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I worked with a patient with CJD he was only 26 and all around his hospital room where large photographs his parents had put up of his life from childhood. He had done so much in his short life and anyone entering the room got to know something about the amazing young man he was.
It's a really good poem xxx
Sumea
I meant to add a (((HUGE HUG))) to the end of my last comment.....was just so awestruck by your poem xxx
ReplyDeleteVery moving and very brave of you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Simone
ReplyDeleteYou are such a talented writer! It terrifies me to think of the day when I change from being a person to just a "head in a bed" who is talked to like a child and presumed to have no feelings :(
Hope you are OK xxxx
Your poem is very moving, and paints a very vivid picture that is laced with frailty and weariness which illness inevitably brings to the elderly.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better yourself and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog, much love
Julia x x x
An excellent piece of writing. It is thought provoking and so sad. x
ReplyDeletevery apt .
ReplyDeleteI wake up at night in fear that I only have a few more years until this is where I am. And who will take care of my flowers then? Did you read my mind one night? Where do you get your wonderful insights? Aside from my fears, Simone, this really is a lovely, real-life poem. Is a small volume of Linden Grove poems in the works?Seriously, Simone, you should go for it.
ReplyDeleteHow sad and reflective, Simone. I have witnessed this personally and it's hard indeed.
ReplyDelete