Barbara Writes

Dec 30, 2008 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

Reality Set In Today

I have trouble remembering
When walking was something
I didn’t use to think about
When movement was something
I wasn’t aware took effort

I watch people come and go
Sit and stand not wondering
Whether their knees would go feeble
Whether confusion would sneak in
Or Balance be lost thus fall over

I miss those days when I took
Walking for granted, never
Thinking it would vanished
Movement by movement
Step by step, day by day

I have trouble remembering
What it felt like to walk
Without concern or thought
What it felt like to be
Independent without a cane

Today I got the blue decal
Joining a society
Of disable citizens
With my mobility impaired
I’m nostalgic for my youth

— Barbara Writes, Dec 30, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Billy Collins, Shakespeare, , Emily Dickinson, , , Whitman, Jess Tapper

Critiques

leonard daranjo

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara

This is really touching and disturbing. Makes me think of how much we take for granted. About a week back, I met with an accident. I was taking an evening walk with my sister. Suddenly we heard a screeching sound and - before we knew it - we were hit by a motorcyclist who (probably drunk) skided and lost control. My sister got a way with a slight injury but I hurt my back really badly. I was grounded for some time then got up with much effort. After that, I was in agony. Every movement caused me the most excruciating pain you can imagine. I felt like a prisinor in my own body. It was then that I realised how much we take for granted when, in fact, we should be grateful for everything we have. Thank God it wasn't a spinal injury but a torn ligament. I have been taking treatment. I am 70% okay but still have a lot of pain. Thank you for sharing your experience in such a candid and fortright manner. Take care ... Leonard

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Leonard

As I progress to immobility my writing helps me release sadness that overwhelms me. Yesterday while i was at the DMV getting my decals, sadness sneaked in. While waiting, i notice this young girl walk over to a chair sit down and proceeded to fill out her application for whatever she was there for. I started to feel sad because I could not remember what it felt like to move freely with out thought and constant pain. It literally looked foreign to me watching her. This is only the beginning for me as it worsens. Sorry to here this thing happen to you. Hope all continue to go well with you. Your comments and that of others keep me upbeat when I am down, knowing I am not alone and that there are others who are going through something. We help each to endure and cope by being there like a support group of poets. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Debra Bryant

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara,

How much we take for granted, our youth. Makes me sad. Sincerely; Debbie

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Debbie

So true that is. I thank god for what I do have because friends like those here at Neopoet and God's spiritual peace comfort keeps me going, enduring in happiness. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Proprietress o…

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara,

I am deeply sorry for what you have to go through. it takes an incredibly brave woman to speak of her pain so openly. I admire you for this. my thoughts and support go out to you. Kata

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Kata

Thanks, your comments are thoughtful and refreshing. I welcome them always. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

themoonman

17 years 5 months ago

Thank you...

every once in a while we need to appreciate the things we take for granted... I am sorry about your receiving the decals... your reflective poem has touched me deeply! Richard

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Richard

Thanks you for comment, glad it touched you. It really made me see how precious being able to move freely is and how much missing it can affect a person. When I look at people who have no clue I see something in their faces I never saw before. I understand the look because I was that person once who couldn't understand what it was like to be mobility impaired. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

infinite_dwarf

17 years 5 months ago

Barb

So often is the time where we don't realize something's worth until it's taken away. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- - "If we always give what we have always given, we will always get what we have always got..." - Mike R.

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

jess

We all have something that to humble us, mine is this. Thanks for commenting. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Fleur MacDonald

17 years 5 months ago

would you like a seat?

Teenagers and young adults better give up there seat for you on the bus. They don't do it here in Sydney which is appallingly bad manners. I don't know when mine will give way, I'm trying to walk everywhere as possible before I can't. I will think of you when ever I take a long walk. Fleur

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Fleur

Same way here. I have seen parent just sit there and allow, encourage children in their bad manners. Children here will knock you down. Have seen it happen. Some children have manners and it is refreshing to see. Then you have grown people that act like the children is where they get it from. Have seen that too. Experience it also. Thanks, hope you the best as you keep walking, I did as you are walking while i could. I saw my plight coming as i got no support from those around me as they view me as lazy and selfish complainer. Now they don't know how to approach me as they never understood when I was telling them for the last six years. I am getting medical help now so I am not stressing over them. I am me letting go of grudges. best wishes Respectfully Yours, Barbara

weirdelf

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara, you know I am here for your poetry.

Which overwhelms me here. Your courage, grace and dignity bespeak you as a person and poet. But let me tell you a funny story. Recently when the bus started suddenly before I sat down I staggered slightly. A young woman stood up to offer me her seat. I was mortified! Only hope it happens when I really need it. cheers, Jess

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Jess

Hope you never do. It is terrible being this off balance, but most will and some won't. The stares of pity is what gets me. A funny story a man driving his van up to the hospital to go in yesterday had no patience for me walking to my truck. Come to find out he was paralyze and another guy got his chair for him to get out of his van. I thought he was going to run me over. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

brenda stuarts…

17 years ago

reality set in today

I was directed to your poem by somebody who had just read a poem i have written. Your words were touching and written with feeling I enjoyed reading it very much. I have osteoprosis of the spine which in English means that my spine is crumbling. I have just undergone an operation to put metal work in to support my spine but my body has rejected it and I now have to have an operation to have the metalwork taken out this will be my third op in 6 months but when i read you poem it makes me realize I am not so bad off. people like yourself show me i have a lot to be thankfull for, I am still walking with a stick but I AM walking so thank you keep writing it helps brenda brooks

Barbara Writes

17 years ago

Brenda

I am glad my poem could help, It is why i write hoping it helps me keep going and help others also. I am still walking with a cane needing a wheel chair at times with much pain and difficulty. I take Darvacet when pain is unbearable, but grin and bear as it makes me sleepy and mentally disoriented. Hope you the best with your surgery. I was advice not to get the Rod for my scoliosis. Now it is almost impossible for me to walk, with a cane, more than fifteen minutes at a time without dropping to the floor where stand. Been told I don't look all that sick as I don't let it get keep me down. Faith in God and reliance on him for strength is how I deal. Hope you the best as you keep moving forward. Barbara ~~~~~~~~~ Be whoever you are At all times, and Remember that Because of this, people will Always Respect, and Admire you ©2008Leonard Respectfully Yours, Barbara

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