So-Called Wise Men Poem by Margaret Alice Second

How does one apply the theories of so-called
wise men to be present in the moment, live in
the now; to a care-facility for the elderly where
seniors have no function - or purpose - except
being and breathing, waddling to the mess hall
eating and excreting - in good order in the right
place, not making a mess

While loudly conversing, groups of care takers
voices fortissimo - serve, clean and wash and
administer medicines while the pain keeps old
mothers awake, some walking three-wheelers
in the long passages longing for the oblivion of
sleep to claim them, one old dame permanently
attached to an oxygen tank

Old ladies watching TV rugby matches in their
rooms, while visiting I do not know where to put
my thoughts and rest my mind, I cannot find joy
in this environment - the only solution seems to
transcend reality, living life in a dream, staying
attached to the facts of old-age reality makes
me feel useless and depressed

I wonder whether Buddha and Heidegger with his
Phenomenology had ever visited an old-age home
and tried to apply their theories to the here and now
while interacting with those living restricted lives in
debilitation, discomfort and incessant pain…