Sunlight streams in through large windows
of the room where we sit,
some like me in wheelchairs,
others on couches, in armchairs,
a few with walkers in front of them.
Some shout, cry, wander, fight.
Others, like me, watch the passing world.
The television talks–no one listens.
Then she appears, guitar in hand,
asks if we’re ready for some music.
TV silent, she stands,
strums the guitar, sings favorite songs,
knows our names.
Nothing else matters when her voice
fills each corner of the room.
I love to sing,
wish she would stay forever.
***
I recently received word that the above poem won second place in a contest sponsored by Magnets and Ladders, an online magazine featuring work by authors with disabilities. It will appear in the fall/winter issue. Click below to hear me read it.
Author Abbie Johnson Taylor
How to Build a Better Mousetrap: Recollections and Reflections of a Family Caregiver
That’s Life: New and Selected Poems
My Ideal Partner: How I Met, Married, and Cared for the Man I Loved Despite Debilitating Odds
Click to hear an audio trailer.
Hi, Abbie–Congratulations on your prize-winning poem! What a great title for this poem! You are blessed with the gift of a wonderful voice, and you should be thanked for sharing your gift of music with others–especially those who are mentioned in your poem.
Happy singing–Alice
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Thank you, Alice, I’m always uplifted by your comments here.
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