Back in the days before Covid-19, I went to a nearby nursing care facility to read my stories and play my guitar and sing. They enjoyed Folk songs from the sixties and gospel songs. One of the residents who came was a stroke victim. She had a difficult time speaking, but when we sang, she sang right along with us. It was a very moving experience to see this happening. This poem is for her.
She sings
though she cannot speak.
Halting words
say,
“Hel-l l lo.”
But, as the music plays…
Oh, can she sing
Every word plain and clear
smooth as jazz.
She sings
with
a smile
spreading across her face.
The words pour out
filling
her soul
with rhythm…
and yes
with spoken words
clear and unchained.
For the stroke
did not
affect that part of her brain.
***
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Roth Poetry 
What a lovely poem. It must have been so touching to witness. I knew someone who stuttered badly but could sing; and he used to perform folk songs at the local music club.
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Thank you Morag! It was wonderful to see in real time. It is amazing how that happens!
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Yes it is amazing, almost like we use different parts of our brain for singing VS speach
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Yes, we do indeed!
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I felt this in my soul
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Thank you so much! I am glad it connected with you!
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I facilitate in an Assisted Living Residence and have witnessed many exquisitely beautiful sometimes frustrating aging issues.
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Beautiful. 🌞
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Thank you so much!
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How beautiful.. I’m actually tearing up.
Thank you for sharing this touching story and poem. ❤️
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What a special heartwarming experience for you and her. A lovely story in a memorable poem.
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Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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A pleasure.
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very nice 😊
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Thank you!
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Wonderful poem, beautifully penned and so poignant.
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Thank you so much! I am glad it connected with you!
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Pleasure. Great write My Friend. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you. And to you as well!
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Cheers. Have a blessed week My Friend.
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Reblogged this on Art, Music, Photography, Poetry and Quotations.
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Thank you Goff! I appreciate you reposting this one.
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Pleasure Dwight. Really enjoyed reading and felt it needed to be shared. Happy Writing My Friend.
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I am grateful that you feel that way. It is amazing to see and experience. My father-in-law had Alzheimer’s and was confined in a care facility. When we went with him to a Sunday gathering at the home, he sang all the hymns jus like always. Music is the last to go!
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Thanks for sharing such a wonderful and inspiring post. Stroke and dementia are such cruel beings. Thank God for Music. Best Regards.
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You are very welcome!
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Thanks. Happy Monday My Friend.
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Such a heartfelt poem Dwight ❤️
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Thank you, Cindy. It was so good to see!
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How wonderful that you were able to reach the woman with your music.
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It was very moving to see in real time! Thank you.
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It must have been!
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I’ve had the privilege of experiencing that, {{{Dwight}}} – and though we wear masks and socially distance, every Tuesday at 6:pm I still can go to our nursing home, lead some residents who choose to come in a Bible Study, and sing favorite hymns. I accompany on my littlest accordion! I hope you will be allowed to resume your gift to your friends soon.
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It is wonderful to see happening. I am glad you are able to still go and share with your local residents. I am not sure if I will be going back at this point.
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No? Why not??
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My hearing is getting bad and carrying a tune is getting harder and harder for me! :<(
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Ah, so sorry. Can’t click “like” on that one! But, you can still play – and maybe you can count on them to do the singing!
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Ha ha… I guess we would all be in the same boat!! Perhaps no one could tell I am off pitch!
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That’s more like it!!
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:>)
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This is a beautiful heartfelt poem filled with emotions.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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so moving! Proof that music is very therapeutic.
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Thank you so much! It really is a healing medium!
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A very touching story is told eloquently in your lovely poem, Dwight. I am impressed to learn of yet another volunteer activity. 🙂 Take care, Dwight.
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Thank You Cheryl! It is a great memory for me to see this happen. This one has ended due to covid. I do not think it will continue at this point.
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Pingback: She Sings! – Nelsapy
Music is key to the soul. I enjoy playing and listening to the guitar with someone singing a good song. I also enjoy the songs of birds in the morning and miss it during the cold winter months. We can learn so much from others, even animals.
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Yes, I always say music is the last to go. This was illustrated here. I also love to play music and sing with others. Music feeds the soul! Thank you for your great comment!
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Your welcome sir!
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Pingback: She Sings! – Justnaijavibes
Thank you!
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It’s amazing what the power of music can do!
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Yes, it is a beautiful thing to see happening!
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Absolutely!
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