~Lost In Shadows~

Lined up like old boots

up and down the halls

objects like useless surplus

roll out each day, appearing small

Like worn out empty containers

they stare out in space

for hours slumped in chairs

sad defeat on their face

Days become one long nightmare

as they struggle to recall

A life where they lived and loved

before age and illness robbed them all

An endless brigade of wheelchairs

is on the move each day

Forced to join the endless line

of the forgotten  and throwaways

Families leaving them there

to be tended with care

instead they’re rolled out each day

out of the staff’s hair

These sad and vacant faces

were once filled with hope and schemes

vibrant and vital individuals

they laughed, loved and dreamed

Aging plays cruel and tragic tricks
robbing memories, stealing essence too
replacing it all with an empty shell
no memories of you

If you pass a parade of shadows

wheels neatly lined up side by side

please stop, touch, smile and talk

someday it could be you...don’t hide

(c) Carole Mathys

February 2008