Compare/Contrast
A newborn cries
in the same moment;
a soul flies heavenward.
I haven't participated in One Deep Breath in a while but this topic grabbed my attention.
The topic I chose came from my work as a nurse.I was working about two weeks ago and we had an elderly man who was dying and alone and couldn't communicate at the time of his death a baby was born. I know this because at our hospital when a baby is born they play a snippet of a lullaby over the loudspeaker to let the staff and visitors know that a little one has been born.The topic for this week struck me because at that moment great sadness and joy went hand in hand.
In several of the books I have read lately the authors mention that nurse,firefighters, social workers, and cops are faced with the truth that in all the idyllic places like Martha's Vineyard, Aspen, etc. there is a dark side, a side that other people can pretend doesn't exist.These professions see this side of life all too freqently. It saddens me to see people who die alone without those they knew or loved.It also makes me feel that nursing really is a calling when you might be the last one to touch that patient,the last voice they hear. I read in the Oregonian several months ago about a volunteer organization that provides volunteers to be with these type patients.
On a much lighter note here are some funny sites to check out:
Rice Paddies as art-these are just beautiful.
Freud lollipops-these could have so many hidden meanings.lol.
Funny face corn-just what everyone needs a funny face kitchen tool.
8 comments:
Lovely poem about the joy/pain of life and death.
Very moving poem. Last week someone in a group I lead pointed out the beauty and pain of contrasts in our lives... this piece beautifully illustrates that.
What a beautiful poem ~
I went to see my mother-in-law in the hospital Saturday evening. I was so touched by the older lady next to her sharing the room. She was alone. I went over to talk to her and help her with some things she was trying to reach. I first asked if I could help her. She thanked me, and mentioned that no one cared. I felt so sad for her. I was just telling my mom about this encounter, and mentioned there was a need here.
I needed to read this! thank you Yolanda for sharing.
Your haiku is very touching and heartfelt. And that volunteer organization that provides people to be with someone who is dying sounds really incredible, too.
I loved this haiku. I'm retired from nursing - I used to have this very thought about the coming & going of souls. Well done!
Thank you for your service in nursing. I have great admiration for those such as yourselves who choose to help others.
Great post! Recently in the hospital overnight, I was impressed with the kindness of the nursing staff during the passing of a patient and the insistent cry of a newborn at the same time.
What a beautiful and moving poem...and your post along with it really made me think. I can't imagine the loneliness (and fear) of dying without loved ones to see you off.
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