Clay Sparkman writes

Searching for Ed

Stooped in her chariot, roaming the halls

of this place where she has come,

after everything else, to do what? They

call it a rest home, but she doesn't

rest. Single-minded in purpose,

resolve such as this is rarely seen

even in the world where time still

matters. Graced with her gentle summer

hat, red lipstick, and a matching

jacket, she has risen with glory,

as she does each day, to the call

of the long awaited reunion.

She is Elanor, searching for

Ed. Walking away, we shake off

our pity: Elanor, piano teacher in

another time, mother who nursed four

babies, wife of a man named Ed. Have

you seen him? Never mind, he will be

there around the corner, she is sure, down

the corridor by the nurses’ station, or

coming off the elevator when she

passes it this time, or just maybe he is

waiting at the piano in the rec. room,

a smile on his face, leaning forward

to kiss her gently on the cheek, to hold

her for a love full moment, and then

to turn and walk away forever,

having said a proper good-bye.
 
Mrs Mounter --  Harold John Gilman



Nursing Home Visit -- Lucille Nurske