Comment from Gaye Hemsley

Excellent

Hi Brooke This one certainly makes you think and as you say lots of pictures come to mind. For some reason I am unable to open the artwork. Cheers Gaye

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 31-Jul-2009

Gaye, thank you. Someone else told me art isn't opening this morning either. Just a site glitch, I'm sure. Brooke :-)

Comment from Mrs Happy Poet

Excellent

There are so many with disabilities today and there problems often go unnoticed by the authortities who are often too quick to judge well done again my friend regards Fuller

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2009

Fuller, I know all about this because of my sister's MS and all the people she knows in her MS support club - almost all were turned down at least one time if not more before eventually receiving disability. Thanks so much. Brooke :-)

Comment from NightWriter

Excellent

"Decisions" is another beautifully written septolet poem. To me is sounds like a disability, but it could be one of the other choices as well. Very thought provoking.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2009

I love that to different readers it has sounded like different things - thank you so much :-) Brooke

Comment from Jarlsbane

Excellent

Not touching this with a ten foot pole...not even a political poll... lol ... nicely written in way that is vague enough to force thought and demand attention without being too couched to be misunderstood... as alway, all my best- jarls

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2009

This doesn't really need to be all that political - take the example of applying for social security disability - you've paid into the system for decades. Now imagine you get MS like my sister, a condition that is verifiable with MRI readings that show clear pictures of lots of lesions.
In my sister's MS support group almost everyone had to apply two or three times and get denied before having a second or third appeal get them disability. I've heard all sorts of horror stories on the news of people with insurance, not people on public assistance or medicaid but private insurance through employers, who need an operation or some other treatment and the insurer turns them down. I'm pretty sure conservatives get shafted this way just as often as liberals. LOL Love ya, Michael :-) Brooke

Comment from dtimes3

Excellent

And that is a scary moment that requires a higher intervention! Nicely written. Concise and no wasted words.

Mother,
frail of frame,
forces
a smile.


Claims adjuster
stamps "denied"
on her file.



Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2009

Thank you - I love this form. :-) Brooke

Comment from MJMuraco

Excellent

I know the feeling because of all that I am going through with both my brother and sister being ill with cancer. I feel so out of control of the situation. Nice job on this poem.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Mary Jayne, I'm sorry for the reason you can identify- unfortunately, too many people can identify. Thank you. Brooke

Comment from Blaidd Drwg

Excellent

Brooke, how sad that some third party, possibly a thoughtless bureaucratic, can control the lie of those most in need of a caring hand.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for Universal Health care. You know, we spend almost twice as much per capita than the UK or Canada for health care and we don't even cover everyone! What's up with that? As usual, the middle men who add no value to health care are the ones making the most money. One of my daughters is in med school and after 8 years of post-high school education, 3-5 years of residency, depending on what she chooses, she will still only make one tenth of what the execs at Blue Cross etc. make.

SOOO - This is about a heartless insurance adjuster who denied this woman's treatment. Did you know that these folks get BONUSES for rejecting claims!!!

See what you did, Brooke! But I guess that's what you poets want huh, to get to us readers! And you always do!

John

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

John, thank you. And all the adjusters aren't even heartless - they are busy holding onto their low level jobs, that they well might lose if they approve too many claims or if they go against guidelines not written to be flexible. A system built on rules and profits, not on people, is doomed to failure if you ask me. Thanks ever so much for letting me know you truly thought about and felt what I had to say :-) Brooke

reply by Blaidd Drwg on 24-Jul-2009

I agree; it's the system, not the poeple! Thans for the reality check! Love ya, Brooke. John

Comment from fastdigits

Excellent

A little bit of a play on words
that make it an interesting writing
of story of a mother who is obviously
ailing, and then the final arbiter, the
claims adjuster,God, stamping that
final disapproved on her file, the
end of life.
A short poem necessarily in the format
you have chosen but done with interest,
with aplomb and style.
Well done

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Thank you for your most perceptive review. Brooke :-)

Comment from Nanette Mary

Excellent

Hullo Adewpearl ....

Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into this writing, short as it is and, of course, there is nothing to suggest changing.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
With love from .. Nanette Mary.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Nanette Mary, thanks so much for your kind comments. Brooke :-)

Comment from LYLE

Excellent

Brooke,

This is a thought provoking piece and I can visualize a rather wistful smile of acceptance, because disappointment is not new to her.

Fondly, Lyle

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Lyle, thank you - I always appreciate your visits and comments :-) Brooke