writing community
Sign In Here | Lost Password | FREE Sign Up
E-mail: Password:
Remember login  
The place for writers:
Upload your writing in minutes, receive peer feedback from other writers, poets, authors, then get your work published out there in the real world.       Learn how other writers are doing it.
 
hatchzel
Hazel Bernardo
United States, New York, New York

Words: 408
Access: Public
Comments: 7

Forward to a friend
Print Version
E-mail this writer E-mail this user 
View Author profile
Add to Readers  



Sincerely, Naty


I am old, please understand me
Be patient with me.

Because of my poor eyesight
I might break some plates
Or spill my soup on the table
I hope you will not be mad
since I am easily hurt
I pity myself in the corner
Whenever you shout at me

My ears fail me, I am frustrated
I cannot understand what you say
Please don't scream at me
Don't call me stupid
If you can, write what you want to say
Please be patient, I am just old

My knees are weak and brittle
I wish you'll wait for me
Help me to stand up
Just like when I held you
When you were still
Learning how to walk


I need more patience
If I become annoying
With my endless questions
Like a broken record
I apologize, I am old
Please don't laugh at me
Or worst, show disinterest
In my stories of long ago

Do you remember when you were still young?
If you wanted a balloon,
Over and over, you would nudge me
Until you got it
I was patient with you
Because you are dear to me

Please be patient too
With the way I smell
I smell like old wood,
Damp soil and leaves
Please don't scold me
To take a bath
My body is weak
I beg you
Don't be disgusted

Do you remember when you were still young?
I chased you under the table
So you can have a bath
Because I care for you

Please be patient
When I am irritable
Maybe because of my age
My aches and pain


If you have time
Let's have a conversation
I miss you so much
Even for just a while
I am here all alone
All afternoon in solitude
No one to talk to

I know you are busy at work
But I want you to know
That I yearn for your presence
To see you, hold your hand
Even if I know already
That you are not interested
In my stories about you

Do you remember when you were still young?
I was patient to hear
All your stories
You stammered on each word
But I listened to your imagination
About your teddy bear

If the time comes
That I become bed ridden
I wish you will not forsake me
Please care for me
I am scared

Please show patience
If I pee or soil myself
I can't help it
Please take care of me
Come to think of it
I will not last long

When death is at my side
I want you to hold my hand
Give me strength to face
My end. I need you

 

Dearest Mom,

I talked to Grandma on the phone a while ago. I thought you needed to know this. Her tears are on this letter.


Your daughter,
Hazel


Want to comment on this Poetry?
Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Poetry and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work... 		Sign up






[Back to top]
Comments  
Writinghome33 Comment by: Writinghome33 - 2007-03-13 20:25
Add to Readers
      
I could barely make it through this one... It is too applicable to soo many people im sure of it... it really makes you think, thank you
alien Comment by: alien - 2007-03-08 05:15
Add to Readers
      
I think this is really touching. It's such a good thing to write about. In my honest opinion, you could make this into a really good piece of prose, a short story, perhaps; though it is a nice poem, I just think its effect could be maximised as prose as it reads more like prose to me.

Very good, though :)

I can't really answer whether you should show it to your mom. Perhaps talk to her about it and show her the poem afterwards.
Comment by: - 2007-03-08 01:32
Add to Readers
      
That was so, so sad. It's beautifully written and very frank and as good as anything I have read on this site. The subject is one we have all had some experience of (if we haven't, we will at some point). I think this is a very important piece of writing - many people tend to get swept under the carpet towards the end of their life and it's nothing short of tragic that this coincides with their time of greatest need.
It's one of those poems that reminds you what is truly important and is remarkably honest and unflinching.
What a talent you have!

*bookshelved*
mynamelez Comment by: mynamelez - 2007-03-07 21:36
Add to Readers
      
A tragic poem describing with harsh realities of growing old. It seems the older one gets the younger they become until they eventually revert back to being a helpless toddler whose wisdom and life experience is largely ignored.
The fact is we are all getting old but everyone ages at the same rate, which is somewhat comforting-it would be intolerable if only a select few aged while the rest remained immortal.
One smarty-pants young-generation grows up and begets the next smarty-spants generation and makes the same (if not worse) mistakes they blame their own parents for making.

I've bookmarked this poem. Great upload all round.

les
rabableo Comment by: rabableo - 2007-03-07 06:03
Add to Readers
      
Really heart rending and a stark reminder of how many of us have forgotten everything that these "Old" people did for us.

One suggestion:"So you can have a bath" maybe: "so you COULD have a bath"

Again, its a wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing
1 2 Next

Sponsored Ads


Added to Library of:

By hatchzel

Featured Writers

Advertising - Terms & Conditions - Short Story Submissions - Contact - Writing Competitions - Writing Links - Book Promotion - Sky-Tribe.com - alanemmins.com
  Member short stories, poems, comments and other contributions are owned by the poster.
Copyright 2003 - 2007 Edit Red I/S