Reviews from

I Don't Want to Go There

a question of integrity

33 total reviews 
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
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This is a very deep poem, but I am trying very hard to understand what you mean in your Notes. I do understand that you have struggled long and hard, and I truly respect that. Thank you for telling us that "scweltered" is a word you invented, so that I didn't try to correct it (because I would have ;-). It is really terrible if neglect becomes a "necessary component" of care for the elderly and disabled, because unless we meet with an early and easy demise (or are blessed with especially loving and capable families), that's where most of us are headed someday!

 Comment Written 24-Oct-2020

Comment from karenina
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Interesting "made up" word... It seems to indicate the lack of others to identify or see you as anything more than a patient, or client. We are all so much more than what others see from the outside...and when we've lived a life where perhaps our needs were never met, or met with scorn it is a horrible shame that caretakers would neglect the very acceptance any of us would need to heal within. Speaking out through poetry is empowering! You give a voice to many more than even you can imagine...having been an RN caring for this population for nearly thirty years it was ever and always a battle to teach my staff the basics of human dignity-- Address a patient by name, knock before entering, do not "chat" amongst yourselves while caring for the patient--treat every patient is though he/she were a family member--STOP and LISTEN! Wish this could be posted at every facility for every staff member to see!
If I had a nickel for every time I heard a phrase similar to "104B needs repositioning" I'd be rich! There was NEVER a "104B"--there was a John Smith or a Mary Jones... even a "Mrs. Jones." It starts with proper training and continues with ongoing sensitivity monitoring and supervision... I am sorry you've been a victim of this neglect. Some patients become silent and compliant... Kudos to you for speaking up and speaking out!--Karenina

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2020

Comment from RGstar
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I feel and hear you my friend...every word. I never cease to like rewarding from you because it is always from the heart, without trimmings, and always has a degree of human context in which one finds familiar face.

....A gentle peaceful face.

Have a good day my friend. Believe in YOU...others do.
RG

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
    It is so good to hear from you, RG. I love the way we connect, even though we come from different styles of writing and experience. In the middle is a beautiful friendship reaching above and beyond our differences. Your supportive and kind words touch me deeply, my friend.
    Take care,
    Jesse
Comment from equestrik
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I am sorry you experienced such neglect and disregard for who you are and what your needs were. I don't know the back story but i know that to treat a person as ;less" is neer okay. Good write to bring awareness.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
    Thank you for your kind and supportive review. Your excellent review and rating are much appreciated. Have a great day.
    Take care,
    Jesse
Comment from palmart
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Sometimes poetry is like a TV camera, and acts like a magnifying glass to point readers` attention on a specific subjects. Your poem is one of these cases: you bring the attention in a tough situation where people who has little (or no voice at all), suffers the consequences of a forgetful society. New sensations need new words, like the one you invented.....

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020

Comment from lyenochka
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I liked your new word scweltered as it reminds me of sweltered and squished. You don't have to submit to that kind of treatment and I'm glad you don't force yourself to enter into thinking that would bring you down. Good to see you back, Jesse!

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020

Comment from royowen
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There's been a lot written in the area of aged "care" and the facilities, or the sheer lack of care, and it seems particularly if you are a man in your case Jesse, I'm sorry. Beautifully written my friend, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020

Comment from rama devi
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So sorry for your suffering, dear friend. I'm sure this was cathartic to write and empowering too. Very glad things are on the upswing for you!

This has an intense emotional pitch due to your recent experiences, and it certainly translates to the reader with lucidity and conviction.

I forgot to mention, previously, that I LOVE your word, scweltered, which to me rings true as a combination of "squashed" & "shelter!"


Your punctuation is perfect!

excellent rhyme and assonance and slant rhyme, randomly timed.

Well done.

Warmly,
rd

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
    Thank you so much, my friend. The support I've received from everyone is incredible. Even the support of the new word is marvelous and amazing. I am stepping into my own and claiming my selfhood. Writing has been a big part of the process. I am very glad you play the part of an editor, counselor, and friend in my life. Have a great day!
    Take care,
    Jesse

reply by rama devi on 23-Oct-2020
    Thanks for your super kind words. It's a pleasure connecting with you, my friend. Have a wonderful day!

    Yay!

    Warmly,
    rd
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
    You, too!
    Take care,
    Jesse
reply by rama devi on 23-Oct-2020
    :-)))
Comment from Joan E.
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Thank you for your explanation of the word "scweltered" that certainly does describe how you felt. Staying aware of ones needs is critical especially for the disabled and the elderly--I am part of both groups. Take good care of yourself- Joan

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020

Comment from joycetreasures
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Hello Jessie,

I pray you are doing well. Good for you to share this poem from your heart. It's so sad that how people choose to treat the elderly. But we can never give up on making the situation, RIGHT. Integrity is so important of one's character. It's very sad that the elderly and disabled are treated some horribly. Your poem touches me deeply and emotionally. Your message shares a powerful message about the things that happens to many. Well done. This is a well-written poem of a cry for a better way of treating people. Also, I love the calming artwork you used. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2020