THOUGHTS
For the Unfiltered Challenge
Was it Summer or Indian Summer?
Doesn't really matter.
The weather was steamy and hot.
As a small child,
the woman's demographics were unknown to me.
Thinking, my present age could have been her age back then.
Or, she could have been ten years older
Recalling the room was crowded with
nursing home residents, staff, and visitors.
Her relatives never came to see her.
Sadly, others at the manor were
ignored or forgotten by their families too.
That day, others heard her pleading for water.
Several times, she reitereated her request.
Until,
by myself, at age six or seven, fetched a glass of water.
Presenting her with a glass of water,
she reacted as if she had received a million dollars.
Her joyful enthusiasm and sparkling eyes were my rewards.
Of course,
it was only a small act of kindness.
Now, the thoughts live on
in my heart and mind.
About the Creator
Babs Iverson
Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Babs Iverson and writers in Poets and other communities.
Let's Don't Do This
"I just can't do this anymore..." "Do what?" What can't you do? Put gas in your own car? I swear to God you make me take care of everything, don't you? You know I'm on my way to work right now but that never stops you from bothering me, does it?"
By Shirley Belk6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (26)
This is an incredible poem.
This is really sweet!
That's a good point made by DK- that this is both Small Kindness and also Unfiltered! It's amazing how all these years later, certain moments or actions stick with us:)
Life is so filled with those moments, just one kindness which makes a great impact on a life. Congrats.
Congratulations for your Honorable Mention 🎉🎉🥳
Thank you for sharing with us, one of many times you were kind to someone. It’s hard to hear that their family had forgotten them, but you were there to fill in where they should’ve been.
A simple act of kindness, truly goes a long way. Congratulations on your placement
So beautifully sad & heartwarming… one small action 💖
Lovely entry Babs, well done!
Children are so pure. Beautiful moment captured in your memory. It is a shame how we treat our elders in this country. Lovely piece, Babs 💕
I worked at a nursing home when I was still in my teens. I saw the guests that had no visitors after the estate was settled. I was at a place that had residents that were wealthier than many places. Then there were those family members who were there daily advocating for their family member. One thing most residents had in common was their love for children. Most would brighten at the sound of a child.Thank you for being that child!😊💕💗
Love how this bridges the Small Acts of kindness and the unfiltered challenges! Great work, Babs!
Such a beautiful memory. Also, so sad that such a simple task had to be left to a child. Well done, my friend.
Well-wrought, venerable Babsha! An insight into a beautiful soul.
reminds me of when I volunteered at a nursing home. Just talking to them was so much for them
So simple and so pure of heart. Beautiful
I'm so glad you got her some water. It broke my heart when everyone ignored her. Loved your poem!
Sometimes memories can be good teachers. Good story!
I'm kind of disgusted. I know it's supposed to be a positive thing you did but I'm kind of disgusted at her I visibility to everyone else.
What a beautiful, kind child--The only one in the room with a heart of gold. 💕
So beautifully written, majestic & angelic! God Bless you Babs!!
It’s sad when no visit anyone at the nursing home. That’s my I worked at one of my jobs at this company daycare. Every week before Covid , we take the toddlers to visit the grandmas and grandpas at the nursing homes. They would read books to the little ones and play with them. 🥰
This describes the nursing home environment better than most people may realize. If there's any place where small acts of kindness are needed and appreciated, it's there. A great read, and a great entry, Babs!
Aww, this made me tear up. What a difficult scene yet you made it bittersweet with a bit of hope by the end. Lovely :)
Like Gerard said. Beautiful. Beautiful important words, Babs! Well done!