Sometimes we wonder what those we love are thinking as they lay in bed waiting to enter heaven with their eyes closed and unable to talk with the family members gathered around. I stayed with a client of mine when he slipped into a coma shortly before he died. I was working as a case manager for a geriatric mental health clinic at the time. After he passed away, I sat down that night and wrote this poem. I really believe that the elderly that are laying in silence, awaiting there trip home, are still thinking and talking to God, and can hear those around them. We can't forget that they can still hear before the end.
My Knees Are Worn Down
~ by Earl D Waggoner, Jr
My knees are worn down
From the prayers that I've said
A worn piece of carpet
Here by my old bed
The mirror on my dresser
Settled and unclear
I guess from the tears
It's seen from my fear
The patter of grandchildren
Whispers of my kids
Smells of fresh gravy
The clatter of lids
Things that I did
In my youth are so clear
Yesterday's memories
Lost as I hear
I open my eyes
See only dark gray
To see what they look like
Hear what they say
The wish of an old man
Wasted and worn
Wishing sometimes
I'd never been born
The carpet's all worn
My sight is a blur
My hearing's all gone
My knees are both sore
My only friend, Jesus
The angels He sends
To hold this old hand
And take me to friends
Ones that have gone
That I miss more than life
To be free in the heavens
Free from pain and from strife
Then thoughts of my friend
Jesus Christ is his name
Comes to my heart
My mind and the same
Feeling of warmth
I've felt when I pray
Comes over this body
Pain goes away
I asked Him to come
In my life long ago
When life wasn't kind
And I was so low
He stuck by my side
Ever since that sweet day
Through the tears and the laughter
And now that I'm gray
I have faith that He'll take me
With Him up above
No more pain will I feel
No more lacking of love
Take me home, sweet Jesus
From this old rotted bed
My knees are worn down
From the prayers that I've said
The carpet's all worn
My sight is a blur
My hearing's all gone
My knees are both sore
My only friend, Jesus
Is here by my side
To hold this old hand
And take me for a ride
To the heavens I'll go
To see ones that I've loved
That I've missed more than life
To my home up above
To be free in the heavens
Free from pain and from strife
Take me home, sweet Jesus
End this old body's life