Restrictions lifted (Poetry Monthly)

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Thu, 18 Feb 2016
  • 3240 reads
13 comments
 

Wings clipped, curtailed from many
jaunts, involvements not just
by cost or real unsuitableness,
but rhythm of duties tight of care
– boundaries that bind and chafe
at times, but maybe spare
from folly, faithlessness, or
neglect of other joys that
would have passed untasted, wasted,
if we could spread our wings whenever
to fly away at every possibility,
wherever.

But when those bonds rise off,
tasks reach completion,
relinquished peacefully
to other hands, professional;
from burdens, obligations now released,
the borders of our life enlarged,
how beautiful the feelings of oppressing
pressures lifted, some restrictions ceased,
(not often onerous, but demanding
of watches watched, maintaining schedules):
now neck relaxed, and mind at ease
and resting, lungs expanding,
strait-jacket shed, increase of space –
wise boundaries ever needed,
but grateful for a time of less rigidity of scope,
less confinement of routine and place;

and, yes, the cared-for can be happier
with companionship and kind
support, and stimulation to the failing mind,
in such a Caring/Nursing Home.

 

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by Bee on

Sometimes the burdens weigh too heavy and we are forced to allow others to not only lift our load, but provide needed and appropriate care. It takes humility to let go of responsiblity sometimes, but how wonderful the sudden release of freedom, knowing we could do no more. Beautiful poem, Rhiannon. Sounds like it comes from the heart. 

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Bee. Yes, from the heart. She seems to enjoy the bustle and cameraderie of the home like the Day Centre she visited, and is getting more fragile. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Can only echo Bee's words.  

A beautiful poem, Rhiannon.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, very much, Tina. Being in a small town, the Home is so well known and transparent, and so many have relations who've been there/are there/ nursed there. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

And cherries much appreciated, thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I have so much respect for you Rhiannon,

caring for someone, takes so much time and patience as shown in your poem. I do hope everything works out for all.

Jenny, 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank, Jenny. Appreciate that. It has been tough, as first father-in-law had dementia, and they had always both been a bit quarrelsome, and couldn't understand each other, and then he became much more peaceful in his last months, and since he's died, mother-in-law has always been very pleasant and appreciative, but couldn't open out at all.
Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

The weight lifted, such a wonderful feeling.

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Very true, thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by VeraClark on

The flip side of care, relaxtion and liberation finally achieved.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Vera. There are many things learnt and appreciated through these experiences, and good to catch them while fresh in mind and feelings, and the 'Poetry Monthly' 'borders' hint, nudged the thoughts together, too. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I am glad that your mother-in-law is happy in the new home and that you are pleased at how caring they are. How nice for you now to be able to take your walks and such more when you want than when you have a spare gap in time.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. Yes, I do appreciate the release of pressure at present, and the freedom as you say to get out when wanting to, even for shopping! Though aware to be responsible and wise in the use of new-found time.
Actually we've just been away for a couple of days for the eldest grandson's baptism (not infant, 13-year old, by choice and immersion!), which I hadn't thought a couple of weeks ago I'd be able to get to, and my husband would have  had to go down for the day. Rhiannon