trapped

a gentle soul, trapped

within her damaged body

by a stroke

unsure, merely smiling, afraid

to speak because her words

come hard, garbled

greeted by two from different

care settings who can listen

and wait without anxiety

while she struggles

bring richer smiles

of joy in acceptance

this i’ve gotta see

his roommates know little reason

to go home for the holidays

they listen, unconvinced, to stories

of his family gathering in laughter

or huddling close in times of ache

or pain or tears, being there to help

in ways he had not yet realized

he needed them

he may well have one or two

with him next celebration time

celebration, even in pain

celebration, even in pain

warms the soul, gives hope

opens the heart to the love

and comfort others would give

long term project

push and pull of commitments

unsettle toward anxiety

learning to find peace within self

needs self-discipline

and acceptance of failures

how much more difficult then

peace in the world

empty nest echoes

atop of utility pole is the empty osprey

nest of rugged, twisted branches

my offspring, too, have flown on to their own lives

but i have kept my home so filled

with the echoes of their laughter, questions and insights

a place of growth and deepening understanding

love and acceptance

                                    mjNordgren  9/28/2022  N