LJI Week 5: Lonely Mouth

[alycewilson]

This is my entry for Week 5 of LJ Idol, Three Strikes (http://therealljidol.dreamwidth.org). The topic this week is "Kuchisabishii," a Japanese term which refers to eating when you're not hungry, and is directly translated as "lonely mouth."

Me at poolside before class

Lonely Mouth

After class, she finds me
in the hot tub. Calls out cheerily, then launches
her litany of woes. This week, she'll see
a general practitioner
a G.I. specialist
a neurologist
a chiropractor
a podiatrist
a nutritionist
for diagnosis and treatment.

At 90-plus, her pains multiply. So many
chronic conditions, seeping into bones
and sinew, clogging up arteries,
impeding the natural flow of fluids
and air. Yet, she keeps going, keeps
moving in my aqua fitness class,
never complaining about
the challenges as we move
and groove to the beat. She's
given me these updates ever since
I first greeted her with a friendly
"How are you feeling today?"

Each day, her ailments change,
a perpetual tide, rising and falling.
The reality she battles, building
pressure inside her mouth. Bursting
out to seep into a welcoming ear.

Comments

[erulissedances]

It sounds like the water exercise people a few lanes over from in my weekly swimming days. They're a great bunch of people, many of whom I've known for years.

If anyone hasn't told you lately, you're a very attractive woman.

- Erulisse (one L)

[alycewilson]

Thanks so much! That's nice to hear. I don't look at it as complaining so much as just sharing what's happening in her life, which at this point is a lot of doctor visits! I feel like she just needs someone to listen.

[erulissedances]

So many times, listening is the best gift.

- Erulisse (one L)

[ofearthandstars]

What a unique and great take on the topic - it fits so well. I think we have all met this person, and most of us hope that when we become that person, that others will listen as well.

[alycewilson]

I think I am occasionally that person even now!

[adoptedwriter]

I used to have a 90-something Zumba Lady like this. She was 80 lbs soaking wet and full of might.

[alycewilson]

Exactly! She gives me hope.

[mollywheezy]

Great use of the prompt! And I had people like that in my water exercise class, too.

[alycewilson]

I have to admire them! To keep moving despite all the difficulties, and to keep trying to be as healthy as possible.

[dsrmousey]

It's so sweet of you to give her the time. She probably doesn't have many friends her age left to talk too. You are very kind Alyce, and patient. Not many are these days! Ps, you look great!


I wanted to work in geriatrics when going to school. My pop talked me out of it. So in Dentistry I had my own patients! They were geriatric, mentally ill, and pedodontics. Goodness, I miss my profession.

[alycewilson]

Sounds like you had a very rewarding position! I imagine they truly valued you.

[dadi]

Definitely a true view on lonely mouth!

[alycewilson]

Thanks! It was one of the first ideas I had when I looked up the term, so I decided to run with it.

[tonithegreat]

Nicely done! I feel like I’ve had friends like that, too.

[mermaidens]

This is such a wonderful and creative take on this topic! I love the imagery in this so much too. This line in particular Each day, her ailments change,
a perpetual tide, rising and falling. is so evocative and is perfect with the water theme! <3

(I love the picture too!)

[bleodswean]

I love this, A! Your poetry is really strong this season. I would have...preferred, been comforted? ....with a final stanza about universalities? Human condition? I'm not sure. And YOU look GREAT! I have not the discipline to rise and get my arse to any such social and strenuous activity. LOL!

[gunwithoutmusic]

I know some people like that, but it's always an unpleasant experience talking with them because they've made their maladies their entire personality. The person you're talking about here seems like someone that's got it pretty tough but isn't letting it get her down.

This was beautifully written; the last three lines really resonate for me.