~ Parade of Shadows ~

They line them up like old boots

side by side up and down the hall

like a surplus of useless objects

they roll them out each day on call

~~

Lined up like worn out empty containers

they stare out into space

For hours on end they slump in chairs

a mask of sadness and defeat on each face

~~

The days become one long nightmare

as they struggle to recall

a life where they lived and were loved

before age and illness robbed them all

~~

An endless brigade of wheel chairs

is on the move each day

forced to join that endless line

of the forgotten and throwaways

~~

Families just left them there

for others to tend with care

Instead they’re rolled out each day

to keep them out of the staff’s hair

~~

These sad and vacant faces

were once filled with hopes and dreams

vibrant,  vital individuals

they laughed, loved and schemed

~~

Aging plays cruel and tragic tricks

robbing memories and stealing ones essence too

Devouring all becoming empty shells

 leaving nothing that once was you

~~

So when you see this parade of shadows

wheels neatly lined up side by side

Please take time to stop, to touch, to smile and talk

someday it could be you  --  so don’t hide

© 2006

Carole Mathys