Faces

The face in the corner, staring off in thought. Wrinkled skin, freshly permed white hair, eyes squinting from the sunshine.

The face of a helper, weary from the day's work. Leaning on the arm rest of the older woman beside her. Resting her head between her fisted hands.

The face of the fragile one, laying in bed waiting. The days drag by. Her final moment is near. Saying nothing, but staring at the ceiling wide-eyed.

The face of the lost one, wishing me good luck at school. He says he hopes "the good Lord" will take him before I return. He hopes he has been good enough. He says this place is no place to end it.

The face of the hurting one, disappointed in his inability to keep track of the time. He has no memory of the lunch he just ate. He thought it was still morning.

The face of the daughter, spooning tomato soup into her father's mouth. She wishes she could come more often, but every six weeks is all she can afford.


I remember them. Like snapshots in my mind, I carry them with me as I return to my other life.
Goodbye for now, nursing home.
Hello for now, school.