I WANT TO GO HOME she said
“I want to go home,” said the frail lady in the hall,
“I want to go home, I don’t want to be at the ball.”
She was pale and unsteady in her pink housecoat,
Looking frightened as if on a pitching boat.
Clinging to her walker she was clearly quite lost,
So I took her bony fingered bone hand and said,
“But this ship is on a cruise and your fare has been paid,
And all of the plans for your welfare are laid.”
“But I don’t have any money,” the old girl said.
So I told her her family already had paid.
“You’re on holiday dear so there’s no need to fear
You have a lovely wee cabin, and it’s quite near.
And even a maid to see that you are all right.”
Her posture improved, so much it hit a new height.
“Have I?” she asked, as her rheumy blue eyes lit up.
“Shall I take you there?” I asked, “perhaps for a cup?”
Well the dear old soul she took my hand and she said,
“Yes please, I think I would like that much.” Enough said.
We’d formed a bond and the idea seemed to soothe
Her mood and she said, “This ship is sailing most smooth.”
I walked her along and she tottered beside me
Down the long hallway to her room for her to see.
I opened the door and I said, “Here we are dear.”
The old girl looked long inside, betraying her fear.
She recognized her things with a squeal of delight.
She walked her walker inside, I turned on the light.
“Minnie,” I called, “here comes your maid, her name is Shirl.”
The aide, of course, understood and said to the old girl,
“Hello Minnie, so glad you came aboard our ship
Empress of the Caring Manor. It goes a clip.”
“Look, here are my things. That’s my husband over there,
In the golden frame. I’m so glad he came along.”
I went on my way pleased that this ritual play
Had persuaded Minnie once again she should stay.
