White Walls, Bright Lights

A place of death and a place for life.

White Walls, Bright Lights

 

I first saw the white walls

And bright lights

As a boy

Visiting my grandfather

The big German

Fighting the bigger C

I remember the bright lights

Hurting my eyes

Blinding

Scorching

In a place that kept death’s door

Wide open

He was gone

 

I remember the bright lights

And white walls

In the hospital

Alone

Over night

My leg cut open

The pain so harsh

My teeth chattered

Fear

Loneness

Loom over me

 

I remember bright lights

And white walls

In the hallway

Hearing the maternal scream

And the blissful cries of new angels

 

Waiting for my daughter

I think she’ll be here

Around 2:00 o’clock

 

So they say

Author's Note

Wrote this the day of my daughters birth....

Reviews

[Nath]

First of all: Congratulations!
Secondly, I think hospitals have a way of changing people, be it those who drop by for a visit paid to a sick or dying familiar - it is always an experience to see a loved one suffer, but it can also be reassuring if they are healing.
Those who stay to be cured leave having been helped, at least in many cases, and having been granted the chance to continue their lives where they left off, perhaps intending to make a change for the better.
Those who cannot be saved are at least aided on their way out - they have to undergo changes, too, perhaps the most drastic.
Then there are not only lives lost but also originating at that place - you put all these aspects together greatly.
I think it is kind of strange that all these contrasting events take place in the same place at the same time. Hospitals are fascinating institutions in a way.

[Aidz]

Last stanza was kewl :)

[∂αʌ<..]

very interesting poem!

[EMMIE]

interesting topic... this is a different look on it but very well written

[JB Murray]

Interesting description of the circle of life. And I suppose, depending on what your beliefs are about the world beyond, in connection with this, the idea of white walls and bright lights is a fantastic comparison... we leave this world into bright light, but enter it the same...

[Chris]

A poignant rendering... you gave it a voice that I could hear.

Chris

[M Garcia]

Everyone, in some way, can relate to this. Whether they remember losing their grandfather or father; or being at the birth of their son or daughter. Great job.

[Greg the Bard]

This is wonderful. What a man remembers in the aftermath of a great time like the time of birth stay with you right up until death. She must be a beautiful girl. Great write.

[M.E.Lyle]

Isn't it odd how certain things bring out past memories. I remember my first daughters birth, it was a day of miracles. I kept asking myself about this little miracle in my arms, what do I do now? What a great day. A wonderful reflection.