Anne Eustace

THE LONELY SEA OF A HIGH FUNCTIONING RESIDENT

I struggle drowning in a lonely sea
I want to swim with smooth, clean strokes to the shore of peace
When I came into the residence, I knew there would be no housework
And lots of friends and activities.
But others are around me and they do not help.
They dog paddle, if they move at all, or else tread water
Same stories and sayings, over and over.
And what is offered makes me feel
drowned with waves of boredom.
Stack Oreos, whoever stacks the most wins.
Or play games,
Race To Unwrap The Prize, no challenge here.
Trivia and let's talk.
Again they tread water the same.

I wonder if I am a snob.
But a staff member said I was far from snobbish.
Only high functioning.
Why cannot I make myself conform?
And dog paddle and tread water
For company.

Ann Eustace has been writing since she was six---quite a stretch-- but poetry for only the last 15 years. She was a reference librarian in public libraries and trained as a chaplain. She is also a great- grandmother. Eustace says, "I am bipolar, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic...but the bipolar is the worst. My assisted living place takes good care of me and I have a fabulous counselor." Her work has appeared in Wordgathering, Lucidity Poetry Journal and Coffee House Poems.