Regional Hospice Family Support Volunteer David Ceponis wrote this poem as a reflection on his time as a volunteer working with hospice patients and families. David has been a Regional Hospice volunteer since 2013, bringing companionship, support and comfort to hospice patients at their homes.
You know EVERYMAN has a story?
In the rumpled covers of her bed;
Head eskew on the double pillows;
An errant crumb on her trembling lip;
She smiles at me nonetheless.
For she is happy to see me!
Not because of anything special I am;
Simply because I have come to see her.
And maybe if I listen well,
I can learn her story . . .
I constrain my strength to dwell in her remembered strength.
For she knows much, has done much, has loved much, has been hurt much, has forgiven much.
You see; I only have to listen . . .
For the woman I see is not the only woman she is. Oh no, she is much more. Only I cannot see all of her now.
For that, I have to listen.
And, the who that she really is, rises from the mattress to gently embrace me in her liberated wholeness.
For you see, EVERYMAN has a story.