I hate hospitals/where even mountains weep
in the hospital's crowded hallway,
I stand alone
cold steel clatters,
overlapping somber screams
drenched in antiseptic-
the reaper's lullaby.
the worst of it, however, is when
i see a father
he's concrete and rocks,
a pillar of our haven,
the core of a warm hearth.
but his iron heart,
now starts to fracture,
like a sandcastle
facing the wrath of a storm.
he, who once blazed so bright,
shielding us from the cold
now withers, grows pale
his flame, once bold, now a blue ember.
as I gaze upon him,
i ponder the weight he bears;
in his shoes,
what fate awaits I-
a house of cards,
should I, too, bear
even a fraction of his woes.
OMG THIS BLEW UP THANK YOU FOR THIS
Chicago Tribune, Illinois, April 15, 1902
Once upon a time I was a real person. I used to do the things that real people do. I had a job. I was close to my family. I had friends. I used to go out and do things that real people do. Go to dinner with my friends. See a movie. Go to a concert. Attend special occasions like birthdays, confirmations, funerals, school events, weddings, first communions. I could be relied upon. I was respected. The people I cared about cared about me too.
Then I was robbed. I have a disease and it stole everything from me. My job, my friends, some of my family. It happened somewhat slowly. Rumors were spread that I was an alcoholic because my schedule became erratic. Then there was some concern about the medication I was taking to help control the disease. I obviously had a problem. I started cancelling on people, again and again. I was honored to be asked to be a friend's bridesmaid, and excited that the wedding was in another country. What fun! But then I realized I wasn't going to be able to make it. And I had to cancel. We're not close friends anymore. That's just one example of life as I know it.
My friends don't ask me out. Why bother when I'm either going to say no or cancel at the last minute? I don't ask anyone over to see me. Why? Because I can't keep house. I don't have the strength. I didn't even make it to dinner on my own birthday this year. Or my husband's birthday (I promised to take him out; he said he wouldn't hold his breath). Or my mother's birthday. (The grocery list for dinner is still on the refrigerator.)
My story started "once upon a time." I know better than to expect "happily ever after."
Sunday Mirror, England, January 23, 1938
I don't think I look that bad! Good morning