| General Poetry posted April 28, 2009 |
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A friend and coworker remembered...
Andy Manlove
by Mike K2
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Andy came to work for us sporting the Beatle's old hair. Until irritated, exposing his sparse weave, and a huge scar up there. For cancer he went through brain surgery, a horrible thought for you and me. But his spirit was gentle and kind, he joked, "I really lost part of my mind." He honestly told his story and never feared exposing his deficits. Suddenly, talking like a genius about finances and IRAs for our benefit. I learned not to mess with him as he said, "So you want to play!" rubbing me into the ground. It took three people to get him off of me, as no discretion or turn off switch could be found. In a Frankenstein stance in front of me, laughing, "He he he he he he..." Other plants had a whistle for the end of the shift; our double shifts wound down with the whir of his folder, a loud and shrill, "Gerrrrrrr!: and his yelling; "You fucking piece of shit!" Fishing was a great love of his, once caught he then released. He assured us, he didn't like how they taste, or their life would have ceased! Another love was playing his electric guitar, despite he lacked timing and wouldn't go far. He showed us that life was such a wonderful sight, but if cancer raged again, he said that he would move on to death, which he would not fight. The man that should live forever told us the bad news that once again came. Cancer had entered him once again. He wanted to live the rest of his life loving the place where he worked. Except for the odd day here and there, that duty he loved and never shirked. That simple pleasure would eventually meet its final measure and he had to leave. He decided that hospice was best for all concerned and then to heaven as he believed. I picked a private time to say my goodbyes as two men facing, almost reduced to tears. I informed him that the doctors said I am terminal too, for my life they fear. Andy forgot about himself and became instantly concerned. He wanted to know and for me to tell him what I had learned. "Andy they don't have a handle on it yet, they said a stroke or a heart attack, there might be cancer in me or like the woman that I loved, I might be struck on Harford Road, a theory they still hope to land..." He busted out laughing and said, "I got it! God, has you on the deferred plan!" We promised each other we will never forget. At least life and death is something we both get. Seeing him at the hospice should have been an experience that was sad. Though he was in and out, on seeing all of us, he was thankful and glad. Heaven bound he was, but as he passed the ferryman took him through the river Styx. As he died he had a smile and with the fishing motions, one knew he threw his hook in just for kicks. Death might be for many, something most implore. When the wagon man waits outside, I plan to explore! |
Poem of the Month contest entry
 Recognized |
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Completely freestyle so as not to sacrifice the story.
Some people seem never to hold on to luck for very long, but in Andy's case; he sure made the most of it. Andy enjoyed his co-workers and friends and until he no longer couldn't, he wanted to work and be with us. Most of the people that I admire are like him and set the example for me. That is why it is so hard on me to see relationships ended or reduced from what the really should be. Yes, I have been cheated in this life, but reconciled about it.
When it is known a person is dying, it to me seems that most personal decision. My mom was institutionalized in a nursing home; but both my grandmother and father decided to die at home. The care was difficult, but with an act of faith manageable. Andy himself choose to die in a hospice as to him, his dying there would seem like the home that he wanted or have wanted his parents to remember. I seem to have more then my fair share of people asking for my opinions and really, there are a variety of factors to way in such as care involved, the time necessary and how all of the family members feel. In the end, no matter what, it is the love that is passed on. I fear not death, just living in a capacity that I wouldn't want to.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Some people seem never to hold on to luck for very long, but in Andy's case; he sure made the most of it. Andy enjoyed his co-workers and friends and until he no longer couldn't, he wanted to work and be with us. Most of the people that I admire are like him and set the example for me. That is why it is so hard on me to see relationships ended or reduced from what the really should be. Yes, I have been cheated in this life, but reconciled about it.
When it is known a person is dying, it to me seems that most personal decision. My mom was institutionalized in a nursing home; but both my grandmother and father decided to die at home. The care was difficult, but with an act of faith manageable. Andy himself choose to die in a hospice as to him, his dying there would seem like the home that he wanted or have wanted his parents to remember. I seem to have more then my fair share of people asking for my opinions and really, there are a variety of factors to way in such as care involved, the time necessary and how all of the family members feel. In the end, no matter what, it is the love that is passed on. I fear not death, just living in a capacity that I wouldn't want to.
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