Encouragement is better than punishment



Encouragement is better than punishment which is my philosophy.
Kind words do more than harsh ones; as kind words they've always work wonders for me.
Taking little steps are much greater, than taking a leap or a stride.
Being rushed you see is not helping, and being too forceful I cannot abide.
I'm sorry if you think I am not eating enough; but sometimes I feel you are being too tough.
Months of lying in this hospital bed; I'd rather be out and be at home instead.
I don't need to be hurried or be force fed, I'm doing my best, so give me some cred.

My stomach has shrunk to half of its size and eating is a feat.
There is no room for a morsel more; as I have no appetite to eat.
As you know my breathings not good and I am finding it hard to swallow, but I will eat some more just give me some time; and I will try to eat some more tomorrow.
I'm sure I have got cabin fever; I feel the need to get some fresh air; and my backsides so numb I can't feel it, for sitting down for six hours in this chair.
The food they serve is atrocious; I can't even give it away; it lies on the plate uninviting, until the lady comes to pick up the tray.

Now it's time for the visitors to leave, although, I would like them to stay.
Just a little while longer, as I know they have had a long day.
It's now eight o'clock in the evening, and there is no noise in the halls anymore; the nurse has just started her night shift, and i haven't seen her before.
She enters my room, and says that  I need rest, having looked at my vitals and checking over my chest.
On leaving the door slightly open, I can see her shadow as she passes by, and now i am in need of some water, as my throat it has gotten real dry.

Some evenings I feel a tad lonely, and sometimes I just want to weep; but most of the time, I reflect on the day, then I eventually dose of to sleep.
I truly love all my family, and appreciate all that they do; they have given me support throughout all of these months, and have all helped me in my quest to pull through.

About this poem

I wrote this poem for an elderly friend who at the time was very ill in hospital. This poem i dedicated to Ronald Baker.

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Submitted by nikkib.01179 on September 10, 2022

Modified on March 05, 2023

2:11 min read
4

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABBXXB CCXXD DDXXX XX
Characters 2,017
Words 427
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 7, 5, 5, 2

Nicola Baxter

I have wrote many poems over the years, poetry has helped me express what I could not express verbally, and has helped me grow inwardly. I have written poems on many different topics, some humorous stories in poetry form, and some deep meaningful and emotive ones, inspired by events, and from personal experiences and what I witness and observe that has moved me in some way. more…

All Nicola Baxter poems | Nicola Baxter Books

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    "Encouragement is better than punishment" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/139299/encouragement-is-better-than-punishment>.

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