Hospice Wings

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

He sees
emerald rolling hills
and brilliant blue skies
that stretch forever.

He sees a train rolling by,
the passengers wave,
cars float in the clouds,
a wire suspended between lips,
a lady painted on the door,

but he listens,
he understands,

his appetite takes in small bites,
slow swallowing,
juice flows fluidly through
a flexible straw,

yesterday, cranberry flavors
made him smile.
Today, he winced at the thought.

We hold his hand,
sometimes, he doesn’t let go.

We say, “I love you.”

He repeats these words,
then adds
“More than you know.”

Each day differs.
Each day surprises.
Each day is heartbreaking
as we wait…

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

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84 thoughts on “Hospice Wings”

  6. Heartbreakingly beautiful. One cannot help recalling times sitting similarly with a loved one in the stages crossing over from this life. Wishing you peace, Lauren.

      1. You’re welcome. Surreal is a good word, Lauren. Our experiences with care at that time of life were mercifully short, though at the time it seemed too short, if that makes sense. I also wish you strength as you navigate these waters.

      2. I think too short and too long carry their own set of pros and cons. We’re grateful for the time spent with him. But it’s also heartbreaking because he doesn’t want to live in this condition. So it’s been a month and the waiting is hard on the heart. But this is life, so one day at a time continues to be our guide. Thanks for your compassion, Steve.

  10. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Beautiful, Lauren. I just finished your amazing collection last night and fell asleep dreaming of peaceful poetry. Review to follow soon xo

    1. Thanks so much, Liz, and he’s grateful to have the love and support. I can’t imagine those who don’t. It’s heartbreaking to think about. He has my hubby and I, his other son, and extended family members. Not to mention, friends and church family. So, he’s well taken care of. It’s just hard seeing him in this condition that we know he doesn’t want to ‘live’ in.

  14. Oh my goodness Lauren, this poem tugs at my heartstrings. It is so warm, tender, very emotional, yet so peaceful. God bless you and your family. Our prayers are with you my friend. 🤗🙏🏼😊

    1. Thanks for your compassionate words, Kym. I wrote two poems and this is the first. My hubby gave me the green light to share them. It’s a heartbreaking situation, but the silver lining is that we have time to say good-bye, and we tell him that we love him each time. ❤️

    1. Sorry for the difficult aspect, Debby, but I understand. We’ve never experienced this before, so it’s tough to see him in this condition knowing how active he was. But we just want him to be comfortable and pain-free. Thanks for your kind words. ❤️

      2. Thanks, Debby, and the journey you’ve been on is one that we will experience at some time too. And honestly, I’ve shed tears just thinking about it. Silly, I know. But sometimes we get in these deep conversations, and then we have to find our way out to lift the mood. Anyway, hugs to you for all you’ve been through. 🩵

      3. Thank you Lauren. You are so right. It’s okay to release our feelings, but dangerous to dwell on the darkness. Stay in the light my friend, I practice that daily. ❤

  22. emerald rolling hills 😍😍
    that stretch forever ♾️♾️
    train rolling by 🤩☺️
    cranberry flavors made him smile 🫰👀🤭😊 (so sweet)

    We say, “I love you.”

    He repeats these words,
    then adds
    “More than you know.”

    — an awwwww 🥰 one

    Each day differs.
    Each day surprises.
    Each day is heartbreaking (breathtaking, instead of heartbreaking…your poetry is so beautiful that I don’t want to see this word there )
    as we wait…

    A beautiful beautiful poem..must have been in love 💕 for sure ☺️ (what words, mesmerizing)

  31. I understand, especially the last line. I was home hospice caretaker for both my parents. We could never afford a facility. But that was a blessing. They both died at home in their own bed in my presence instead of some warehouse miles away.

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