AN EXTENDED CARE GERIATRIC MOMENT
Face deeply wrinkled, wispy thin white hair
a geriatric patient to whom Lynne gives close care
She who's life was once busy with work
Lingers abed - shakes - spasms and jerks
A lone loved one at her bedside stands
caressing gently those boney thin hands
She whispers quietly into her ear
a great grandson graduates this year
Eyes growing dim, there is no comprehension
Evening meds just past dispension
Worry shone in the daughter's eyes
as she sadly mumbled her goodbyes
At the start of next shift, there's an empty cot
it sits in the space of that pioneer's spot
A pause, a feeling, an emptiness ache
In came a new patient, he was aged ninety eight!