A BEAUTIFUL DAY
by Barbara Johnson
(Contributed by Dorothea Rossner)
The day started out rotten. I overslept and was late for work. Everything that happened at the office contributed to my nervous frenzy. By the time I reached the bus stop for my homeward trip, my stomach was one big knot.
As usual, the bus was late - and jammed. I had to stand in the aisle. As the lurching vehicle pulled me in all directions, my gloom deepened.
Then I heard a deep voice from up front boom, "Beautiful day, isn't it?" Because of the crowd, I could not see the man, but I could hear him as he continued to comment on the spring scenery, calling attention to each approaching landmark. This church. That park. This cemetery. That firehouse. Soon all the passengers were gazing out the windows. The man's enthusiasm was so contagious I found myself smiling for the first time that day. We reach my stop. Maneuvering toward the door, I got a look at our "guide": a plump figure with a black beard, wearing dark glasses and carrying a thin white cane.
THE FIVE STAGES OF MD GRIEF
A poem in Cinquain form by Irving Faust
Denial
Fear, Loss
No! Never! Impossible!
This Cannot Be Happening
Help!
Anger
Rage, Fury
Screaming, Crying, Cringing
I Am So Frightened
Depression
Negotiation
Bargain, Plead
Begging, Dealing, Promising,
What Can I Do?
Compromise
Resignation
Helpless, Hopeless
Acquiescing, Surrendering, Yielding
I Can Do Nothing
Submission
Acceptance
Confirmation, Approval
Acknowledging, Agreeing, Understanding
Life Continues after MD
Hopefulness
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE
by Mary Brown
You don't have to see to brush your teeth,
Or rinse that mouth that you love to feed.
You don't have to see to kiss the head
Of the grandchild you hold until ready for bed.
You don't have to see to smell a rose
Or feel a dandelion tickle your nose.
You don't have to see to clean your ears,
And to hear the latest news both far and near.
You don't have to see to talk on the phone,
And gab with the girls, on and on.
You don't have to see to feel the warm sun
And the cool ocean breeze while at the beach having fun.
You don't have to see to taste the fragrant wine,
One glass is enough, ..it will do just fine.
You don't have to see to sit in your swing,
And listen to all the birds so sweetly sing.
You don't have to see to go out to lunch,
With kind friends to assist you a bunch and a bunch.
You don't have to see to stroke your dog's fur,
Or hear your kitty cat, purr and purr.
You don't have to see to hear good books on tape,
And listen to music..so beautiful and great.
You don't have to see if you know how to care,
And help others by spending much time in prayer.
Sequel:
You DO have to see to drive around town,
But I sure don't miss those traffic jams.
You DO have to see to read your grandkids a book,
But you can tell a tale curled up in a nook.
You DO have to see to go out and shop,
But now I don't have to shop 'til I drop!
You DO have to see to cook a good meal,
Now hubby helps out...oh, what a deal!
You DO have to see to walk around outside,
But to hold on to someone...well, I swallow some pride.
So all I can say to this saga of mine,
Is to seek and be content with the passing of time.
And I'll always hope that someday divine,
We will all see clearer than we do at this time.
MACULAR MAYHEM
by Marion Reh Gurfein
I feel my life is all a blur:
I cannot tell a him from her.
I once approached a garbage pail,
And thought it an attractive male.
And since I am a friendly soul,
I wave and smile at every pole.
And this is just the normal state
Of a macular degenerate.