I went to visit my wife yesterday afternoon.
She was not in the dining room, and most of
the residents had almost finished eating.

She wasn't enraptured to see me. No smile,
just a dull look in her eyes. I suspect she had
just woken and was still sleepy.

I was irritated as the custom had been to
wake those sleeping, around 3 or 4 so they
would be ready for dinner a little after 5.
It wasn't the case yesterday. This raised a
question about is this a normal treatment
or just an aberration?

I understand the demands placed upon the
Care Givers here. There are some residents,
are vocal, some very vocal, so they get attention.
My wife however, seldom speaks and doesn't
attract the attention that others may.

I like the staff who work with my wife but
this situation upsets me, if it is routine.
Looks like another meeting with management
is in order.

I am tiring,
when faced with those,
who attempt to play,
"head" games.

"Suck up's" are nearby,
buddying up with those
who had a position here.
Enough already. Pay no homage.

There are some "smooth talkers",
here, all men. Some naive women,
who don't recognize when
someone is "hitting on" them.

I suppose there are some
games they played before,
coming here.
I've heard most of them.

I am certain, this isn't the only
place where this occurs. Nevertheless,
I find it amusing, but also sad these
type of games being played at
this time of life.
How old am I?

They shoved me into the breech,
no questions asked, no approval given.
Why am I in the place,
one of hate, not being forgiven?

I don't believe,
I want to know,
but what happens,
when I have to go,

away from this place,
of sadness and woe.
Tell me please,
for I don't know.

Ahoy, the ship,
sailing in the night.
How do you run,
without a light?

Light may come,
in daylight, bright,
or with lanterns,
during the night.

Should you be,
where you are?
Does it matter,
if near or far?

Long before I knew you,
well before then,
you were always there.
You're a good friend.

So many years have passed,
since I first met you,
I find in my heart
I still wonder who,

could leave you alone
when there was a need,
to help you through this life,
and make you happy, indeed.

Day has ended.
My thoughts escape,
to the corners
of my mind.

To hide away
from the troubles,
unwanted now,
every day.

Why? There is no escape,
just a wasted journey,
into the dark corners
of wonder and mystery.

Yet, I delay,
receiving no comfort
from retreating
to the long shadows.

I thought I knew,
what life was about.
We leave here at a whisper,
not a shout.

All we were,
will never be,
only a part
of a memory.

My toes were cold,
in the sand
on the beach,
Cannon Beach land.

Sound of "gulls",
in the air.
They were,
everywhere.

Crashing of waves,
with sea spray.
No wonder, I love,
this getaway.

A single leaf clings,
to the branch of a tree.
Hanging, alone,
so precariously.

My words lay,
lodged, in my head,
some words, worried,
not being said.

I'll read these tonight,
to find the reason here,
it's not important,
only that they are near.

I visited my wife,
yesterday afternoon.
She was in bed,
asleep.

It's confusing.
I'm saddened,
to see her like this.
A picture of what's to come.