Tags
disease, doctor, health, hospital, illness, loneliness, medical, nurse, personal, philosophy, psychology
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I was a young boy with a withered leg,
abandoned, in a cold hospital bed.
Faceless attendants wore gloves, masks and gowns.
No parents for cuddles, kisses or love.
Alone were the Lost Boys with polio,
the silent, unpredictable killer.
Quarantined, isolated like lepers,
our only strength came from one another.
Expected to die, we boys joined forces.
We supported each other, forming a bond.
After lights were turned out we would whisper
together, “Shush, the Sisters are coming.”
Older patients had access to wheelchairs.
Sometimes they’d transport me to other wards —
to meet other boys was high adventure.
An empty bed usually meant a death.
Six decades since, in the still of the night,
after lights are out, I can sometimes hear
that haunting refrain I heard as a child,
whispered, “Shush, the Sisters are coming.”
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Note: Polio was one of the most dreaded childhood diseases of the 20th century. By 1910, much of the world experienced a dramatic increase in polio cases and frequent epidemics became regular events, primarily in cities during the summer months which left thousands of children and adults paralyzed. The first polio vaccine was developed in 1952 by Jonas Salk and announced to the world on April 12, 1955 – Source: Wikipedia.
Image: http://www.immunize.org/photos/polio-photos.asp
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Greg Mercer, MSN said:
My uncle survived Polio too. It’s so sad we can’t finish it off. People forget, and they distrust. There’s no vaccine for these problems, is there?
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johnallenrichter said:
Dennis, this is quite a lovely poem. As a young boy I was hospitalized a few times (not for polio, thank Heaven) and your words distinctly captures the essence of that for me. I remember so well my mother being taken away from the emergent care, leaving me so lonely and afraid. And to meet other boys in the hospital child’s ward at 3 and 5, well, it is something I have never forgotten. What a perfect insight you found here! I noticed you haven’t posted since May. I hope you are well.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I am well. My book, listed on my site https://gottafindahome.wordpress.com/ was released June 5. I continue to visit with and write about the homeless. Marketing my book is very time consuming. ~ Dennis
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Mary Kendall said:
Alas, my comments on this poem were left on the reposting in http://scylaxofcaryanda.wordpress.com/author/scylaxofcaryanda/ so you might not see them. I find this poem deeply moving and evocative, and telling it from the child’s perspective is perfect. The lights out moment of the children’s private moment together is beautiful and we are allowed to witness this. I’m old enough to remember the scare and devastation of this disease, but also its eradication with Dr. Salk’s amazing breakthrough.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for your kind words. Polio is certainly a devastating disease. I am still dealing with the after effects, but It’s because of them that I’ve become the person I am today. Without the struggle I wouldn’t have learned the perseverance.
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Scylax of Caryanda said:
Reblogged this on Scylax of Caryanda and commented:
A sad evocative poem.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for reblogging my poem. It is much appreciated.
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Sonia Anne Ellem said:
Like your work and your compassion Dennis. I can identify with “the sister” bit but not the rest. Very topical post, by the way. Polio is again on the rise in developing countries and has been all over the news in Australia recently: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2014/s3998460.htm
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you for your comment. We have the resources to stop polio in developing countries. We must make it a priority, instead of spending so much money on wars.
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Balance the Circle said:
I want to say, “I like this.”, but I cannot. Not because it’s not good…it is perfectly written and does such justice to that part of our history.
No, I can’t say I like it. I appreciate this…yes, that’s more the feeling about such sad subjects.
I don’t know why I didn’t follow your blog when you visited mine, Balance the Circle so long ago. Likely because of our ‘off & on’ wifi access at the time.
But I’m following now and headed for your poem about the fairy!
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you for your encouragement and support. They are much appreciated. Polio has been iradicated in highly developed countries, but is still a menace in the following places: Afghanistan, India, Angola, Nigeria, Chad, Pakistan, DR Congo and South Sudan.
– See more at: http://www.polioeradication.org/Dataandmonitoring/Socialdata.aspx#sthash.V4fwBGsD.dpuf
Dennis
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the Prodigal Orphan said:
Beautifully written, compelling and haunting.
And there is the inspiration that accompanies the knowledge that even if you didn’t beat it entirely, you survived some of its ugliest moments.
Very well done, my friend.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for your kind words. Like everything in my life, I consider polio a blessing. There is no joy with out sadness, no strength without weakness. I have learned to be strong. ~ Dennis
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Natasha Ramsey said:
Hi Dennis, your writing is powerful and touching. I can’t wait to read more and share news of your work with others. Keep writing.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Natasha, thanks for your kind words. I am enjoying “Hungover Poet” very much — raw and real, just what I like. ~ Dennis
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tinatowey said:
So terrible that not only did polio sufferers have a terrifying illness but you were separated from the love and support of your family – hospital rules were so cruel. I love that you link your memory to the Lost Boys of Peter Pan – also without their mothers’ love and having to fend for themselves in a bewildering world with hostile adults… It’s a marvel – the resilience of the child’s spirit.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Tina, thanks for your deep understanding. I always identified with the Lost Boys of Peter Pan. Perhaps, escaping to fantasy was a way to cope with a very unpleasant reality. ~ Dennis
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Tracesofthesoul said:
Beautifully done, Dennis. I had friends who had polio too. You described hospital stays well… I was at Mtl. Childrens as a young child for concussion. We ducked when the night head nurse made her rounds..she was mean.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Oliana, thanks for your kind words. I have known a lot of mean head nurses; also some very caring ones. ~ Dennis
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craftynicki said:
Hi Dennis! This is a great poem! Reminding people of how important immunisation is in drastically reducing epidemics and outbreaks of some horrific diseases!
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Nicki, polio is making a comeback in some areas. Immunization is very important to protect your children.
I enjoy reading about your crafts. I especially like your decoupage cards. ~ Dennis
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craftynicki said:
Thanks Dennis! I’m really enjoying crafting, and I’m made up with social networking, especially blogging!
It’s sad that diseases such as Polio are back though. There’s so many of them and I believe it’s all due to media scaremongering! Epidemics of measles, and even TB is making a comeback! I firmly believe in the importance of immunisation!
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Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus said:
Thank you for sharing this Dennis, God is the only Healer regardless of the tools He uses, how Loving and merciful He is, providing healing and even blessing those who reject Him.
Christian Love from us both – Anne
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you for your comment. I truly have God to thank for curing my illness, because the doctors had given up on me. ~ Dennis
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Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus said:
Me too Dennis, I should be dead at least 3 times but you may have noticed I’m not Lol! how wonderful that you can share your Miracle with others, to offer Hope in the darkness and in the Storms of life.
Yes sadly some don’t believe in them today, claiming their long past but many can testify that their not like us. God does not change but some don’t even thank Him for the tools He uses either, such as Medicine, Doctors, health remedies etc He is indeed the only Healer.
Satan can’t do good only evil, when he afflicts someone with illness, he can’t remove it again, all good things come from God even our motivation for doing good when we are seeking Him or being lead by the Holy Spirit to heart repentance, God is Love and can not do evil.
Lamentations 3: 33 For God doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
Christian Love – Anne.
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Michelle Sherlock said:
I thought your poem was really powerful Dennis, very emotive and evocative all in one. I write poetry too but not put any out there other than occasionally on facebook to date!
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Michelle, what I didn’t mention in the poem was that, at one point during my illness, the doctors informed my parents that I wasn’t expected to live through the night. The Anglican minister was called to administer last rites, but, miraculously, I recovered.
I enjoy your blog very much. It is easy to understand. I especially liked the lines, “God’s grace means we can move beyond a never-ending list of rules and regulations that we can never measure up to and just focus on loving God and each other (even the people we don’t like and who don’t like us)!” This makes sense. ~ Dennis
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Michelle Sherlock said:
It’s great that you recovered so well and thanks so much for the encouragement Dennis. I am new to blogging and am trying to write from the heart. I am also trying to experiment with different ways of writing – some bible study, some just my personal views, some reviews of books or songs or sermons I have come across and some poems. It’s all a learning experience!
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Poetsmith said:
Hi Dennis. What a poignant poem, especially when the person involved is yourself! You have definitely overcome your setback and have gone on to help others. Praise God for that. Your challenges have given you a positive attitude and you’ve chosen to give of yourself in encouraging others. So wonderful to hear, and thank you. 🙂
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you so much. Your words, coming from a health professional, show the care and understanding you provide to those in need. I always enjoy reading your poems, especially Deeply Moving,
“Faith, Hope and Love
but above all
the greatest of these is Love”
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Poetsmith said:
Thank you, Dennis. 🙂 Kind regards, Iris.
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uniqusatya said:
So happy to find this site,great collection 🙂
And for this one,woahhh a powerful one.Touched every corner of my heart.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks you so much for your kind words. Best wishes with your book; “BHARAT … from the lens and the pen”, is the result of a year of international collaboration. This book showcases the two art forms joined thematically in subtle, stylish layouts. While either the image or the writing could stand alone, the design concept takes the confluence of both arts and results in an added dimension for the readers.” This sounds fascinating. ~ Dennis
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uniqusatya said:
Thank you 🙂
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loujenhaxmyor said:
When I see the afflictions of so many others, it gives me even more reason not to complain about the meager setbacks in our lives. thanx for the post, Dennis.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Loujen, we all have challenges, sickness and suffering in our lives. It’s what we do with them that is important. ~ Dennis
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FullEmpty said:
Thanks for moving poetry. Looking forward to reading more from you.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for your kind words. I am also a follower of Buddhism. I agree with you on “the insistence on enquiry unfettered by dogma and belief.” I will return often for inspiration. ~ Dennis
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FullEmpty said:
Thank you for the encouragement 🙂
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Gargi said:
Dennis, this is incredibly touching and poignant and I felt all you felt through your words and poem. I am happy you were able to find some glimmer of hope through all the struggles.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Gargi, everything that has happened to me, and everything that I’ve chosen has brought me to this place in my life. It is a good place. I wouldn’t change a thing. ~ Dennis
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naturerestoresme said:
A very powerful piece Dennis. It sounds like the way people treated you was worse than the actual illness. We can all survive something when we know we are being loved and supported. Many blessings and love sent your way.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you so much for your gesture of love. For many years I lacked self esteem and a feeling of belonging, but now I am in a good place.
I enjoyed your post “Listening”. Animals and birds are amazing. I watched a television documentary where they tested a “sniffer dog”. He was able to detect a piece of meat in a lake twenty feet deep. Many blessings and love returned your way. ~ Dennis
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stormy1812 said:
Very touching and tender 🙂 Way to capture the sorrow and pain of the illness but the joy of forming bonds.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Stormy, thanks for your compassion. I laughed at your post “A Foolish Day at the Rodeo”. I can empathize with you, I’ve done a lot of foolish things.
I was delighted to learn that you live in Needles. I now have a face to go with the lyrics to the Three Dog Night song, I’ve Never Been to Spain:
Well, I’ve never been to England
But I kinda like the Beatles
Well, I headed for Las Vegas
Only made it out to Needles
Can you feel it?
Must be near it
Feels so good
Oh, it feels so good
Cheers,
Dennis
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stormy1812 said:
You know, I don’t know that song. I’m going to have to look it up for sure. Needles is a very interesting place to live that’s for sure. It’s a pretty nice place to live but there are more politics here than even most small towns lol. It makes things interesting. 🙂
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Cynthia said:
Your poem is powerful. I’ve known people who contracted polio in the early 50s and spent long periods of time hospitalized and how it affected their lives. Some have still not come to grips with not being with their families.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Cynthia, I contracted polio in 1947, at age eighteen months. I spent about five months in hospital. I have overcome my physical limitations, although I still walk with a limp and wear a built up shoe. Abandonment issues, still plague me.
I was very moved by your post “THE MORAL UNIVERSE – MISSISSIPPI BURNING PART 1”. We are all the same, we seek happiness and an end to suffering. ~ Dennis
~ Dennis
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Rachna said:
This is a wonderful composition. Thankfully India has been declared Polio free now. Waiting for a day when the world would be declared so in its entirety.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
HI Rachna, I too wait for the day that the world will be declared polio free. I enjoyed your poem “In the End”. ~ Dennis
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Elaine said:
I remember those scary days back in the 50’s when polio was rampant. Boy who lived next door to us was one of the unlucky ones who got it and was in the hospital for a long time. Thankfully he did survive. There was a lot of fear among the adults that we kids would get the dreaded disease and of course we were aware of our parents fear to some extent,
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Elaine, there was fear in our neighborhood as well. After being released from hospital parents warned their children not to play with me, even though I was no longer contagious. ~ Dennis
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Relax said:
The little boy is you?
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Dennis Cardiff said:
This was me from age nineteen to twenty-four months. I enjoyed your post “Of borrowed tombs”. ~ Dennis
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kizokuouninaru said:
a most touching poem Mr.Cardiff
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed your poem “THE VOICE ABOVE”. ~ Dennis
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lynhorner said:
Touching poem. I followed the link to polio photos. So sad!
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Lyn, there is sadness in every disease. I recovered to a greater extent than some. I have no regrets. I am the person today, because of what I went through and the choices I made. I’m in a good place. ~ Dennis
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btg5885 said:
This is quite powerful. Thanks for sharing, BTG
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you for your kind words. ~ Dennis
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Lyrical Treasure said:
Oh… polio. I can clearly see the image of your words. The gloom. I can also feel the hope and will to survive despite being written off by the world.
I remember the vaccines. Our babies still get them.
However, I didn’t know that Polio was once an epidemic. You’ve just done something about my ignorance. 🙂
Thank you, Dennis.
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Thank you. I love your blog, especially your post “Saying Yes To My Truth – A Piece About Self-Discovery”. We all need to keep rediscovering ourselves. ~ Dennis
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lorriebowden said:
Hi Dennis…My Mom had polio as a child. She has also told me stories that remind me of what you have written here. She is amazing. She balances and walks on the heel only, of her right foot. The vaccine developed by Jonas Salk was indeed a major breakthrough. I am sad to hear recently that polio is trying to make a comeback. Lorrie
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Lorrie, I love the words on your blog, “My opened heart allows unconditional love to flow to every organism on earth; as we are all connected – shall we all be loved.” I too am sad to hear that polio is making a comeback. ~ Dennis
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Oblivion Dark Sunshine said:
Well done Dennis.. I love documentaries via poems… I see you are following my blog… Tell me more about you… Verlena S. Walker (Oblivion Dark Sunshine)
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Dennis Cardiff said:
Hi Verlena, it is a pleasure to meet you. thanks for your kind words. I love your poems, especially “ENCROACHED UPON”. I have another blog at http://gottafindahome.wordpress.com and http:cardiffpaintings.wordpress.com. These should tell you more about me. If you have any specific questions, I’d be pleased to answer them. You may email me at dacardiff@gmail.com ~ Dennis
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