by Paula Love

Created on: November 17, 2009

Her name was Ruby and she lived all alone

Her distant children rarely telephoned

The nurse's aides visited three times a week

Though it was more friendship than health care she'd seek

It was my job to make sure she was well

I'd clean up a bit then sit and talk for a spell

But late that autumn when I was no longer employed

I began to miss my Ruby and the talks we enjoyed

When the holiday came I joined my parents to eat

I knew Ruby's house was right down the street

When our turkey was picked halfway to the bone

I thought of poor Ruby spending Thanksgiving alone

I piled a plate high with our leftover food

I hoped that my visit would brighten her mood

When she opened the door she was quite surprised

It made my day to see her bright eyes

We talked that evening for quite a long while

And when I departed she gave me a smile

I had no idea it would be the last time

I would see this special friend of mine

That Thanksgiving would be Ruby's last

And now every year when it comes to pass

The abundant leftovers seem rather amiss

I wish Ruby were here to eat some of this

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