Words While We Wait - Day 5
Words While We Wait from Lindsay, Ontario
THE WINDOW
Poet: Catherine Hennings
Artist: Linda Kelly Cherney
She stood at the window
all dressed to the nines.
Waiting for visitors
she gazed through the pines.
Nobody arrived
on this cold sunny day.
They all have been told
to please stay away.
She stood at the window
and watched all around.
The nurses and doctors
wore gloves, masks, and gowns.
Outside they all stood
turning families away.
Due to COVID concerns
safe, we must stay.
She leaned on the window
Wearing her necklace of pearls.
Then the ambulance came
and she noticed the girls.
The girls they were weeping,
all young nurses they are.
They waited in tears
for the funeral car.
She sat at the window
so lonely, and scared.
She wondered in silence
if her life would be spared.
The virus, she is told is strong
and contagious.
It’s especially fatal
to those up in ages.
She slumped at the window
in her wheelchair next day.
She beckoned her family
“Please don't go away”.
They came to her window
hands flat on the glass.
Their palms pressed together
like touches of the past.
She looked out the window
all tucked in her bed.
Outside the old home
the moon rose overhead.
The virus came fast
like a thief in the night.
Stealing last breaths
from all those in sight.
She is not at the window
on this cold, darkened day.
She will not be forgotten.
They carried her away.
THE WINDOW
About the poet, Catherine Hennings
As a university honours graduate, Catherine Henning is a lifelong learner and avid volunteer in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Catherine is currently writing about our community’s outpouring of support for those affected by the North American Ice Storm of 1998. Catherine continues to participate in initiatives that benefit area residents.
THE WINDOW
About the artist, Linda Kelly Cherney
Linda Kelly Cherney has expressed her interest in the human narrative using the form of figure in different medias and in 2- and 3-dimensional works. As an art educator, Linda mentored many students into professional careers in the arts. Linda has exhibited in Artscape, Ontario Craft Gallery, Propeller and Meta 4.
