Old Folks' Home Poem by James B. Earley

Simple yet effective expression... Aging is not for sissies... A very compassionate write. If the reader lives long enough, she will one day experience this pull between hope and resignation. Long live the human spirit! ... Thank you.

I was the 24/7 caretaker for my elderly father-n-law for two years. It nearly killed me but I couldn't put him in a 'home'. It was a life task I will never regret. The irony of this poem, is that he had the same feelings as if he was put in a 'home'. No matter how hard I tried to remind him of his dignity. You tugged at my heart. Thanks, James

So very true and painful, , , , We may have changed my stepdad's wait, tho he had forgot us awhile back we went daily and never forget how so many looked so empty.....well done James, your insight was perfect!

In a world where everyone seems to be a poet, you are standing out as a true poet with poems like these, once again simple, but enough to be ever lasting in the mind of the reader.

Wonderful thought provoking poem which aptly describes the morbidity of our future existence at the 'End of the Road.' (Gulp!) Not me though! When I reach the age of Senior Care, with one foot in the grave, I'll be tap-tap dancing with the other foot and gulping down tons of 'Youth Serum' and a bucket full of 'Love Potion #9'. AND if all this fun that I'm having kills me, I won't care. I'll die with a smile on my crinkled and wrinkled old face. Can't wait! : -) tee hee

A very sensitive subject. It is terrible to think that the interaction between generations may be a thing of the past all in the name of individual liberty. Who is really free when when one is elderly, incapacitated and waiting for death? Bears thinking about.

It always amazes me how civilized our culture claims to be, but how horribly we treat our elderly. I'm reading 'Dark Star Safari' (Theroux) and he aptly observes- 'The criterion is in how you treat the weak. The measure of civilized behavior is compassion.' So often the elderly are outcast, and then no recognition is given to the realness of the depression many manage so quietly as a result. I've been a part of other cultures where generations are, in my opinion, better integrated. I believe a large part of our society's struggle with self, image, position, power, etc stems from our lack of connection within our own populace. You cannot outcast brothers and sisters and expect to be whole. Thank you so much for writing such an effective and gorgeous piece. I've very much enjoyed your poems!

James your words are so simple - a bit like the lives of those you describe with such understanding and angst. Yes. This poem is an insightful reminder of a future for many that doesn't bear thinking about. Warm, succinct penning. love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥