A Better Way

Years ago, I entered a world unlike one I had ever known,
There were so many people there, who were so far from home.

Both men and women sat around with vacant stares,
Acting as if nobody cares.

I smiled and spoke softly to one of them, thinking it would matter,
But, all he did was complain about my constant chatter.

“Just give me the pills”, he shouted, “then you can go!”
“That’s how you nurses are, I already know.”

“I wish I had been a better mother,” I heard another one say,
“Then my kids may not have thrown me away.”

My heart broke as I realized their plight,
But how could I alone win this fight.

Feeling useless for years, I stayed and contributed what I could,
I began feeling like it wasn’t doing much good.

Finally, the loneliness, boredom and feelings of helplessness had taken over us all,
I knew not what to do, so I sat down to bawl.

But, after years of continuous searching, I found a better way,
In came the Eden Alternative, just in time to save the day.

Their frowns are fading and being replaced with smiles.
For instead of baby steps, we have traveled miles.

The Journey is not over, nor will it ever be,
But, thank you Bill, Jude and God for helping to find a better world for them and for me.

Gwen Smith
3/14/03