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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Poem for Older Adult Senior Communities



                               
                                               They know you, a bold executioner
                                               roaming their halls seeking humans
                                               to complete your pandemic purpose.
                                               Nights follow days in a quarantined
                                               existence of food, TV and hobbies.
                                              Thoughts of limited time increase
                                               survival of those determined to live.
                                               With distance, washing and masks,
                                               they wrestle with fear, while nearby

                                               victims scramble for scraps of life.

                                               Whispers saying, “She has the virus”
                                               and “He died yesterday” create new
                                               visions of people wracked with pain.
                                               Healthcare workers wearing full-body
                                               protection suits seem sinister, surreal,
                                               surprising in a place known as home.
                                               Posted photographs of deceased friends
                                               remind them of good times that will end.
                                               Their new normal is difficult, but doable.
                                               Mugged by history, they pray for peace.

                                                     
                                               © Frances Shani Parker


Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers. Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog Website: http://www.francesshaniparker.com/

6 comments:

  1. Thank you Frances for writing and posting this- a new "normal", always dancing on the edge of who matters most, a rethinking of priorities, of getting cold doses of mortality, shaking us to the heels of our sensible shoes. Our hearts ache in new ways, our friendships held more closely, desperately. Be well. Bickford from Mass.

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    Replies
    1. It's good hearing from you, Dave. We have lived through a lot of "new normals," and this one comes with its own unique lessons. I just hope that somehow the world gets better. Happy endings, Frances

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    2. Thank you for your quick response. It is always great to hear from you.
      David

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  2. For millions, 400 years of 'normal' in AmeriKKKa has always left these particular folks 'quarantined'...and seeking some kind of cure from miseries. Nowadays, not much has changed for them. Today, they're still isolated, poor, sick and dying...and the pandemic has made them it seems...its 'flavor of the month'. Poor souls, still wondering when misery all they seem to endeavor...will end. Maybe a new normal might be preferred over the old one. This pandemic looks like it will "spread the pain" equally for everybody.

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  3. Great, its good to hear from you.
    Elderly people need more care and comfortable to lead healthy life without worries and anxiety.
    Home Nursing Services in Kerala

    ReplyDelete