by Starr Rathburn

Created on: March 31, 2008   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

This is a poem I wrote when I worked in a nursing home for a short time, where I learned how much a smile can mean to someone who never gets one. I also learned of the hopelessness that can be felt by the residents there.

"Oh, he's old Grouchy," the workers described one old man, "we don't talk to him much." So I went out of my way to give John a smile every day. Seemed to me that he needed it more than anyone.

How surprised he seemed at first that someone took the time to talk to him. When he smiled back, I noticed how beautiful his blue eyes were ... and how lonely he seemed. As the days passed, I tried to spend more time with him, although my duties there kept me on the go. Soon he smiled at me every day, and as we talked a bit, I found out how likeable he was. He wasn't so grouchy, after all. A smile is a small thing that can bring great changes.

I'm glad I was able to bring a little bit of happiness into his life before I stopped working there. I sometimes wish I'd gone back occasionally to see him ... especially when I learned that he died the next year. I'm glad we became friends, even though it made me incredibly sad to learn that he passed away. I can only hope that our short friendship made a difference in his life, too.

This was written while I was thinking of him, and how the world may seem to someone who lives such a lonely life.

"Cemetery Song"
for John

~~ waiting for either attention or death ~~

The graves were inviting,
singing their melody to me:
"Come; come join us."
How can I ignore their pleas
when they're calling, calling,
calling to me
promoting, professing serenity.

In my misery
I hear tombstones calling me:
"Leave your life behind;
here, you'll never be lonely
again...we're calling,
calling to all lonely souls.
Don't be afraid... ."

Tombstones sing quietly:
"It's so peaceful here,
reclining under tall trees.
All cares and sorrows
stop here. We promise, you'll see:
It's easier without the memories."

So I'll give my answer
to the graves that invite
my song of despair
on this cold lonely night.

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