Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Thank you for sharing this poem with us. I enjoyed the rhyming scheme. You did a wonderful job describing the emotion of the situation. You are your co-workers are truly angels on Earth.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. It's a tough job, but it's worth it.

Comment from SimianSavant

Excellent

Great story and reminder about how much it sucks to take care of the dying, especially in the Covid era.

I see a few places where the meter could be smoothed out by shortening some of your lines, to make your poem "pop" a little more, consistent with the meter of your first stanza. Let me give some examples:

With a deadly new virus, a terrible thing. <= this deadly virus does its thing. (I know that sounds a bit silly)

The lovely Addie is a bit confused. <= lovely Addie is confused

I tell her I must wear this in case I cough <= I tell her it's in case I cough

But Addie immediately snatches it off. <= but Addie snatches it right off

Any germs that may lurk on mask or bands <= germs that lurk on mask or bands
Are now being clutched in both her hands. <= she now clutches in both hands
I pry them loose, a little squashed <= good, no changes
And proceed to get Addie up and washed. <= maybe: and get my Addie up and washed

She must stay in her room, she doesn't know why
<= stuck in her room, she wonders "why?"

She's scared and confused and starts to cry.
<= scared and confused, she starts to cry

You get the idea. Hopefully this is helpful!

Best,

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks for the review and the suggestions. I'll take another look at those lines.

Comment from Janice Canerdy

Exceptional

This poem is exceptional in every respect--skillfully written, so moving, and vividly descriptive. The details are so realistic because they ARE real--the confused, pitiable, difficult patients that throw stuff, the clingy ones that don't want you to leave their room, the feeling of being drained at the end of the day . . . ! God bless you for what you do and for sharing your experiences with us!

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks for the six! Yes, it's real, and it's tough, but these people are worth it.

Comment from Terry Broxson

Exceptional

A well-written and heartfelt poem. Thank you for your service to all the patients you take care of in this time of need. I cannot imagine how hard this must have been in the beginning and there is no end in sight! Outstanding work as a human being and a writer!

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks for the six! Yes, it was hard, but these vulnerable people are worth the effort.

Comment from RGstar

Excellent

I felt this to my bones Cindy. If we had more sixes you would have received.

This summed up the light of some of our healthcare workers. A first hand view and angle many might not think of.

Its an eye opener many not understanding the emotional turmoil.

Bravo.
Well done.
Best wishes.
RGstar

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. It's not an easy job, but it's worth it.

Comment from Mary Vigasin

Excellent

A wonderful story and tribute to all those who work so hard during this pandemic, and to you for working so hard under difficult circumstances.
Very well-rhymed and excellent "tell it like it is." poem.
Best wishes,
Mary

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. Yes, it's been hard but these people are worth it.

Comment from Cindy Decker 2

Excellent

I really like your poem, because it epitomizes just what the covid epidemic is all about. If your poem were read in one hundred years, readers would get a painful idea of how terrible covid was.
Blessings to you and good luck in the contest.
Cindy

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. Hopefully the end is in sight and in a few years Covid will just be a memory.

Comment from the13thpoet

Excellent

Hello Cindy a marvelous Monday morning to you. I hope this finds you well. First let me say thank you to all the Front line workers out there risking their health to keep the world moving. You did a good job telling your story, the flow and rhymes were good. Have a great day!

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. I'm so glad you enjoyed my poem and found it meaningful.

Comment from karenina

Excellent

Thank you so very much for this difficult work you have done... Continue to do. All you handle, plus trying but juggle A personal life, keep yourself healthy, deal with the emotional drain! I was nearly 35 years an RN. I'm so glad I am retired now. Your poem reminded me off all of my Alzheimer's patients. They must be so frightened!

Karenina

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. Yes, it was scary for the Alzheimer's patients, especially when the families couldn't visit. Those visits make a big difference, even if they don't remember ten minutes later.

reply by karenina on 14-Feb-2022

True! So true! They forget, and when they are reminded they are retraumatized all over again.

Comment from L. Kalere

Excellent

First of all Cindy, thank you for being on the front line, helping so many people at great cost to yourself. Where would we be without health workers? You did a great job with your poem, good rhyme and meter. You told a story that needed to be told...you cannot be taken for granted. Thank you for sharing, and humanizing this state of affairs.
Linda

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022

Thanks. I'm glad you liked my little poem, and found it meaningful.