The Noise of Anger

Bombarded--

I am

Surrounded by

The Noise of

Anger.

People angry

With people

For not doing

What they feel

Is right.

And then,

I turn off the radio,

Look past today’s headlines,

Shut out ugly conversations.

I come into the hospital.

Enter the elevator.

Press three.

Doors open.

Pediatric Oncology.

My nephew,

His arm is hurting.

He holds it.

The color is not good.

Doctor's look.

They suspect a blood clot.

The nurse comes in.

Makes a crack.

We laugh.

The noise of the angry people

Quelled.

Sam Henderson 2012

Comments: 33

Debbie W. Aug 21, 2012, 8:40pm UTC

Super poem, Sam! I found the quiet with you in the elevator.

Sam Henderson Aug 21, 2012, 8:46pm UTC

The elevator is the transition between the two worlds. Yes, the quiet. Glad you were with me.

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Alice G. Aug 21, 2012, 9:32pm UTC

Great poem, beautifully done. It speaks volumes-the bombastic rhetoric, the angry voices are blown away by the deeper concerns for your nephew's precious life now in jeporady-all else is just sound and fury. He is in my prayers, Sam.

Sam Henderson Aug 21, 2012, 9:44pm UTC

As you are in mine. The cancer has, forever and always, changed us --ironically, for the better. The sound of fury contrasted against laughter and light, hope and joy.

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Betty S. Aug 21, 2012, 9:57pm UTC

Sam I feel for your Nephew as my family is dealing with cancer in children.

Sam Henderson Aug 21, 2012, 10:18pm UTC

How is Mathew Gabriel? I read about Miracle and Chastity. You have to know that your Love means and meant something. We can't control the journey's end. We can only do our best, one day at a time, along the way.

Betty S. Aug 21, 2012, 11:24pm UTC

Thank You Sam.. Matthew is still taking chemo but his tumor is shrinking. He's doing well as far as tolerating the chemo. We have a little 4 yr old that had brain cancer and her and Matthew go to chemo together.

Sam Henderson Aug 22, 2012, 6:58am UTC

Good news in the midst of your heartache. I see babies and toddlers on the wing. This is a whole new world to me. Reconciling it with the everyday world.

Betty S. Aug 22, 2012, 7:06am UTC

We are supposed to adopt a new born in late Dec. or early Jan. The Bio . Mother knows she's dying and wants a good home for her baby.

Sam Henderson Aug 22, 2012, 10:21am UTC

Keep us updated!

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Connie C. Aug 21, 2012, 11:35pm UTC

Sometimes we just have to tune out the angry world

Sam Henderson Aug 22, 2012, 6:59am UTC

Laughter and talking about seemingly mundane things takes you far, far, away.

ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ Aug 23, 2012, 2:16pm UTC

Yes it does Sam.

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wendy st. john-devereaux Aug 22, 2012, 7:40am UTC

well done!!

the angry world
needs to be tuned out
in sielnce
there is peace
and healing

blessings to you and your nephew

Sam Henderson Aug 22, 2012, 8:57am UTC

Thank you! Blessings to you as well.

Yesterday, for whatever reason, the anger I heard was at a higher volume, more intense and it permeated the air. I was choking on it.

I walk into the hospital and there's a reverent silence. I shed the effects of the anger, like I was slipping into another outfit leaving the other on the floor. The nurse’s laughter brought light. The color of energy changed and it was as if everyone in the world was a peace with one another. The contrast was dramatic.

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Pam Brittain Aug 22, 2012, 12:13pm UTC

Laughter can be wonderful.

Sam Henderson Aug 22, 2012, 3:58pm UTC

Amen and amen!

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Doug Westberg Aug 22, 2012, 11:41pm UTC

Inspiring example of mindfulness! Thanks for sharing with Depression and Creativity!
Now featured

Sam Henderson Aug 23, 2012, 6:44am UTC

On behalf of Zack and Kim, the nurse with a wicked sense of humor, we all thank you!

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Patricia J. Aug 23, 2012, 9:17am UTC

I shut out the sounds of anger years ago, when I had my first nervous breakdown. I haven't read the paper or watched the news since 9/11. I loved the two destinations in your poem, at home with the noise and in the hospital with the quiet and the jokes, trying to make it easier for the young!!

Sam Henderson Aug 23, 2012, 6:54pm UTC

The balance is such a delicate one. Knowing what's going on, being an active part of the movements to make things right, and yet not engaging in the angry rhetoric. You scream at me about injustices I'll ask you what you're doing to be a part of the solution (angry writing and yelling aren't part of it).

Alice G. Sep 3, 2012, 2:20pm UTC

Now there is a woman after my own heart!

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Connie C. Aug 23, 2012, 2:03pm UTC

I am just stopping by once again to let you know that this post/photo is spotlighted in the

What Is Happening Today on Gather ~ Thursday August 23, 2012

I hope you have an opportunity to visit the other spotlighted posts and photos as well.

Have a wonderful day!

Sam Henderson Aug 23, 2012, 6:56pm UTC

Thank you Connie. I love What Is Happening.... and enjoy the posts. Grateful for being amonth those spotlighted today.

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ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ Aug 23, 2012, 2:16pm UTC

My thoughts are with you Sam.

Sam Henderson Aug 23, 2012, 6:56pm UTC

I know you understand. Hugs.

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Carrie Marie P. Aug 23, 2012, 4:39pm UTC

Wow... I am all teared up. This ought to be on one of the hospital's walls.

Sam Henderson Aug 23, 2012, 6:58pm UTC

I had to do something with all the feelings I had bundled up after coming home. I plan on giving this to Kim next time I see her. An example of where one person made a difference!

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