by Pi Architects

Created on: October 01, 2010

The Gift

A gift it is

This Mission to look

That thrust our beings

From then to now...

It stunned our senses

As we watched the change

Eyes wary, mouths

Set to reject.

They’re taking up the Atrium tile?

What a waste of money!

What in the world are those wooden things up there?

Why didn’t they get our input?

How do we get to the Activity Room?

What’s taking so long?!

All old and familiar

So comforting

So conservative

So not needed change.

All going, soon gone

Displaced by new carpet.

Good heavens!

It’s meant for Hop Scotch!

Squares perfect for toss and jump

Hearts to remember what bodies can no longer do.

It’s for the next generation

Someone’s quiet comment…

Hopeful spirits lift

Some lips tighten

The renovation goes on.

But then, a magical miracle day

Floor plans complete

Furniture in place.

A day of realization

Of reconciliation.

Lips loosen, words soften

The master designer

Has wrapped the package

And presented a gift.

*This poem was written by a resident of Morningside at the Meadows, a continuing care retirement community in San Antonio, Texas, and is about a renovation to the community. The project was by Pi Architects, who specialize in designing senior living housing.

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