He folds into the chair
with deliberate casualness.
He speaks routine phrases,
but his eyes dart.
like a cornered creature,
warily watching.
He throws his words
defensively
he defines his territory,
while we nod
and wonder
when
wellness
will conquer.
Submitted for the Gooseberry Patch Poetry sharing on a theme of love and loss. This one is about loss. Please leave a link to your own submission, if you leave a comment. Thanks!
Shawn L. Bird 
fun verse.
love it.
I found this to be a terribly sad moment. If I left an impression of ‘fun’ obviously I didn’t convey it very well. 😦
sad, yet hopeful.
powerful expression.
You paint a vivid scene here, Shawn. I can see the man–he’s old–and he’s angry. He doesn’t want to be sick, and doesn’t like the attention. I see me folding into that chair. Very nice writing!
You’ve captured this scene with pure accuracy ~~ sad to lose one’s self to the time of age and change of independence … the fear and anger smolders!
I find these interpretations fascinating. Youth, too, are on edge when institutionalized… ;-P
you are right wellness will conquer so well done
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/10/03/memories-and-photographs-of-you/#comment-1370
“wonder when wellness will conquer”… powerful!
Dear Shawn Bird
A real good imagery that you have created here… I enjoyed it all.. your lines …
‘He throws his words
defensively
he defines his territory,’
… are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing. Look forward to your entry in the coming poetry picnic week 8 theme “Friends, relationship… ”
Shashi
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/10/whispers-love-and-loss-butterfly.html