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Hospice Janitor

January 12, 2022 13 Comments

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A hospice custodian polishes the floors all day. I wonder if he does it so the souls don’t stick to the floor or so the soles don’t scuff the hallway leading to sorrow-soaked moments and final goodbyes. The beautiful kind.

The whir of his machine is louder than prayer. Perhaps for privacy.

He doesn’t smile. Nor does he furrow his brow or frown.

Pensive. Peaceful. He’s a caretaker, readying reflections, buffing the bridge to the beyond.

I watch him from a tiny window in the marketing department office.

Realizing just how meaningful his duties are. Certainly, far more rewarding than mine.

By Louise

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen C says

    January 12, 2022 at 7:08 am

    What a beautiful reflection – almost feels like a prayer.

    Reply
  2. HelenZ says

    January 12, 2022 at 7:09 am

    This is really nice – quiet and powerful.

    Reply
  3. Nina says

    January 12, 2022 at 8:02 am

    Beautifully poetic. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    January 12, 2022 at 10:15 am

    Beautiful. A view of something I would normally not think twice about. Thank you for this vision.

    Reply
  5. Shel says

    January 12, 2022 at 10:42 am

    I love it!
    Very powerful…

    Reply
  6. Sue says

    January 12, 2022 at 10:50 am

    Loved this, simple but thought provoking. Especially liked ‘He’s a caretaker, readying reflections, buffing the bridge to the beyond.’

    Reply
  7. Bryan says

    January 12, 2022 at 11:33 am

    Love it and love you ??

    Reply
    • Cathi Leonard says

      January 12, 2022 at 11:06 pm

      Just beautiful. So clean and clear. Thank you!!!

      Reply
  8. Dorrine says

    January 12, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    Sweet thoughts. A little love poem to someone who helps the world in a very unnoticeable way!
    Ill never forget the janitor following me & ( cleaning )down the hall at Brockton hospital after giving birth to Alex , I apparently was leaving a trail & he told me very kindly! Lol

    Reply
  9. Jayne says

    January 12, 2022 at 9:17 pm

    How beautifully written that is! A wonderful, and beautiful insight that this world needs so much more of ??

    Reply
  10. Dhananjay Bapat says

    January 12, 2022 at 9:40 pm

    Beautifully written, with sensitivity and empathy! Delightful piece!!

    Reply
  11. Jean Anders says

    January 12, 2022 at 11:05 pm

    Beautiful! Love souls/souls

    Reply
  12. James B. Revell says

    January 13, 2022 at 12:13 pm

    Very thought-provoking……….

    Reply

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