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Draped in Disguise
Cries for medical care
equal to Canada or Great Britain,
.
is fair
Everyone's much better there,
so why not us? - we want their care !
NO!, they say, it isn't so
don't give up what you have
for the lesser care
within our society
Am I to believe
it's a disguise
a mask claiming to be
better for you and me;
confusion, disorder
split in two
which shall we choose
one bringing change, or
another bearing mediocrity
Our lives are too precious to be
bound by the arms of bureaucracy
Other nations have tried and failed
leaving only discontent and disparity
Look forward to what can be
Not their past
except its' history
Lest the burning desire of what we lust
becomes the aftermath of only dust
If we turn our backs
and pretend not to see
no more will we
the envy be, and
the failures of others
becomes our destiny
Learn from their failure,
for left unexplored
creates another
worse than before
Linda Tofanelli
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What Am I worth?
What am I worth?
No one seems to know and
I"ve become afraid
Once, they saw me as a God , and
now, I'm not sure
Perhaps, I should have warned them.
Vincent W Cangello, MD
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My Father
Stay with me
if only in memory
for no longer will I see
those brown eyes looking at me
A smile
or furrowed brow when you disagree
The strength of your love
A warm embrace
A visit, dinner or luncheon date
A voice I know so well
Silenced,
Forever quiet to my ears.
This gentle man I love
now in my memory
yet
We'll meet again I know
and tears will fall once more
for the depth of your love forever remains
as we burried you today
Linda Tofanelli
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The Old Man In Medicine
What do I do with it all
Four decades on the job and
no one seems to notice
But, I remember when
the Old Man's view was sought,
his voice delivered pearls, and
they hung on every word.
What does it mean when no one asks?
Don't they need help as I did then?
Where do they turn when they're alone
and scared
when they feel a death,
a defective child, or
hear from a lawyer who plans to sue.
Something has changed
I feel alone and wasted since,
I'd be glad to share
like those who once shared with me
Is it me?
Or is that the way they do it now?
Vincent W Cangello MD
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A Lifetime Now Seems Not Enough
A lifetime now seems not enough
Suddenly without you near
my inner fortitude has disappeared
Your strength and love
gentle and deep
our tears and laughter
now beyond my reach
This pain I feel inside
so deep and new to me.
Quiet my tears, Mother.
Listen to my thoughts,hear what I say
visit my dreams
together again
you and me.
Linda Tofanelli
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The Nurses where have they gone
It was then that I thought back, and I remembered:
I remembered...when they stood as I entered, carried my charts and offered their help.
I remembered...the warmth that I felt. That I failed to cherish, as I should...Oh, how I wish I had, now.
I remembered too...when they chose to strike, without my support, carrying those signs and winning their day.
I remembered...the new "Techs" that came between us, settling on our "Turf", blurring our lines.
I remembered...how the paper work grew till it replaced patient care...and the gap between us grew wider.
I remembered when so many left, to administrate, to authorize, to utilize, some even to prosecute or defend.
Then, I thought of many who stayed.
Who continue to sit when I enter, hand me the chart, and call someone else to help if I ask.
I realized, I'd lost something.
I wondered, did they feel that way...too?
Vincent W Cangello MD
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Wait No More
Books of information
passed over again
no one seems to care
of our past,
of mistakes we made.
Now, more interesting covers and titles are sought
containing unusual places
to visit and see
romantic stories of love and need
books full of intrigue and mystery
When
within my books you read
of lives torn apart by misery
How can it be so few understand?
Maybe we're afraid
hoping what I say
will simply go away
Yet
events, through time
have a way of repeating
you'll see
and we'll become just a part of history
Linda Tofanelli
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My Insurance Company
The friendly voice proclaimed,
"How can I help you?"
They seldom do.
Vincent W Cangello MD
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Believe
I believe
not as before
Children are starving
crying in pain
wounded and maimed
Millions are killed
by illness, injury and war
precious lives no more
Souls fighting to stay alive
illness strikes
bringing them to their knees
Minds racing,what to do
smiling faces masked with fear
Other lives so fortunate
in all they do
while
others are forever
cast in doom
Anger and violence
laughter and joy
killing, dying
greed and deceit
A new dawn
innocent and sweet
emerging voices, creatures all about
Wait
Darkness emerging
so quiet, like night
Someone blew out the candle
the dawn, the light
I believe
no
not like before.
Linda Tofanelli
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The Real Issue
One hospital day for surgery
"Call if you need more" the insurance lady said.
"And while I have you on the line, Doctor
Spell Hysterectomy for me, please"
"Who is taking care of this patient", I asked
"I am", she replied, "I pay the bills"
"OK, OK" I said, "I just asked",
"I wonder if I spelled that right?", I thought
"Hyster. or is it Histerectomy? I forget,
They allow me to do so few these days"
Vincent W Cangello MD
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The Falling Giants
America's Physicians
Accused, abused
torn apart
inspected and dissected
without resolution
its' frailty exposed.
Skepticism is your mask
for we are far removed
from the lives we lead
you and me.
Suspicion now shines
the eyes of our healers
once the untouchable leaders
now licking wounds
afraid to seek.
Hurt is the same for you and me
no different is the color of our blood you'll see
young and old regardless of race
in pain there's no diplomacy.
Now the only weakness
in its' aftermath will be
turning our backs on this vulnerability.
The wall of fear
this invisable shield
needs to be challenged
again to heal.
Linda Tofanelli
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Are We Winning or Losing
Under Clinton's Plan
We make less but we all work.
Under private, capitated managed care.
Some of us won't.
Are we winning or losing?
I'm not sure.
Vincent W Cangello MD
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"It's not power that corrupts, but fear. Those who have it fear the loss of it, those without it fear the scourge of it.
Yet, the worst form of fear is that which masquerades as common sense or even wisdom."
Taken from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, of Burma, Nobel Laureate of Peace, 1991.
The Abuse of Power
Power so strong
weakens within
from right, no wrong
black, no white
truth or lie
changes many lives.
Not knowing or caring
the plan is laid
all may change
by the power you played.
Fear casts its scent
hearts are pounding
expressions changing.
with minds racing
Uncontrollable thoughts
decisions being made
Right or wrong
who will know
with this false facade,
the fear you hold.
Linda Tofanelli
-------------------------------
Abuse of Power
We had the power
we failed to use it.
We abused the privelege
it was taken away.
We Physicians must regain it.
We're challenged by many who
don't understand what we do, and
our system is open for review.
While their's isn't.
Because, Daw Kyi of Burma, also warned
"The most insidious form of fear is that
which masquerades as common sense
or even wisdom".
Recognize anyone you know?
Vincent W Cangello MD
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September 11, 2001
That Fateful Day
A lifetime of love
taken away
that fateful day
replaced with tears
and without you near
my inner fortitude has disappeared
Your strength and love
gentle and deep
our tears and laughter
now beyond my reach.
Devastation, despair
bring fear
a new feeling
foreign to me.
Suppress these silent screams,
warm my soul and
these cries of pain.
This wall of fear,
an invisible shield,
needs to be challenged
in order to heal
this broken heart
And yet
Forever will remain our love
my precious one,
memories we made
will be with me
until eternity
Linda Tofanelli
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The Committee
I've learned:
"Comfort is achieved when you don't expect anything from them."
A complement is realized when they know how you feel.
I entered that room again, it was ten years later.
I didn't ask, I was invited.
It seemed different this time
The lights were turned down, I wasn't comfortable when they were bright.
The same stuffed chairs askew, attempting to form a circle.
Why did they continue to use that room, it's still uncomfortable.
Some were sitting sideways looking over their shoulder. Others tried to write, sitting deep in their chair. That never worked and moving up to the edge didn't work either.
One thing was different, the air was clear. They weren't smoking, that helped a lot.
The meeting was called to order, my presence acknowledged, eyes turned to mine, heads nodded.
The minutes were read, the work began.
Familiar words as I listened. Slowly, I sensed that little had changed.
I felt as I did before,
but, now, I understood why.
The agenda
the agenda had changed.
Mine, not theirs.
Vincent W Cangello MD.
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Words of Wind
I read between the lines
Invisible for eyes to see
Silence is all I hear
...I know what these signals convey
And wonder why they're acting this way,
They understand, they say
I think not
For even though in thought
Once more they've strayed
Pondering within
It's starting over
Tumult minds: words of wind.
Linda Tofanelli
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Capitation of Physician's Fees
Who devised this destructive scheme
that fails wherever it's tried?
People are no different here,
They look the same when they're sick
They hurt the same and bleed red too
Why are we playing this Medical Russian Roulette?
What would happen
if we all said, NO?
Vincent W Cangello MD
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I dont want to die
I don't want to die
tear swollen eyes entrenched on her face
an unknown fear now rooted within
a statement truthfully, yet maliciously said
how can they know the impact of what was alleged
you have only two years to live
smiles and laughter a memory
for a disease that cannot be pronounced
with malignant cells running throughout
months of painful tests
poisonous chemicals intravenously fed
identity and vanity long since stripped away
looking...seeing yet not believing
whose staring at me in this mirror
traffic, music, laughter outside
but silence within these sterile walls
living the reality
so terrifying, there's no escape
loved ones standing vigil
with encouraging words...smiles
shrouded behind worried faces
while people unknown
like lights in the darkness
feeding life sustaining miracles
for one more day
until that night
with silence now
without and within
Oh God, be kind to one so sweet linda tofanelli
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Though We Want To Help
Ominous in flight
stumbling in the night
disguised during the day
to keep authorities away
Silent prayers
they won't be caught
frightened
for the pain is real
whether a new birth emerging
or renewed hope for a life withering away
They're seeking medical care
a stranger to them
but not for us---a dominance taken for granted
slowly being abused and shattered
by illegal immigrants seeking our precious care
We bring new life and heal their wounds
while making them strong-
our life source is being challenged--scattered
We aren't working hand in hand
and they don't understand
the strength we give will bury us in the end
for those who seek our care cannot pay
and we can't bear to turn them away
Linda Tofanelli
_________________________________________________
Heroes of Space
Michael, David, Kalpana, Laurel, Rick, William and Ilan
heroes of Space--their wings spread with the need to explore
As Columbia---beautiful, powerful and strong awaits.
Launched into the abyss
conceded with anticipated crew
An expected return
millions await.
Suddenly the air outside is sweet no more
Seeing, not believing
this deafening noise
entwined with traffic, music and laughter.
Silenced by this enormous reality
a catastrophic disaster
there's no escape
tears flow like rain.
this pain
As we mourn our heroes of space
Linda Tofanelli 2003
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War Is A Tragedy
War's a tragedy, will there be peace?
whether the aggressor or the state under seige
contemplate the inner soul
analyze and perceive
Trepidation, fear, anxiety,
adrenal as soldiers put their lives on line
fighting a life of facade
barbarism
freedom's flight
an unthinkable era
prevail we must until the end
pray it will never happen again
learn from this travesty - never forget
thank you our babes in arms, fearful in flight
for you're fighting for freedom's rights.
Linda Tofanelli .....2003
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HYPNOSIS TO EASE THE PAIN
Beautiful . . . life can be,
days endless
warm, light and free
On smiling faces, beautiful places
Or
Hopelessly unfair
faced with poignant and physical pain
a terminal illness, so quiet it came,
no more laughter
days once filled with dreams
now only sadness...and uncompromising infinity
Drugs, narcotics, pills and more
anesthetizing body and soul,
mind once vibrant now in haze
slowly making it through the days
Hypnosis can offer relief
to all who accept its benefits
to control your mind, look within
seek comfort and strength,a new confidence
A powerful force your mind can be
for pain to abate,
anger escape,fear negate
as tranquility colors one's fate
Linda Tofanelli.....2003
..........................................................
WAR FOR PEACE?
War's a tragedy, will there be peace?
whether the aggressor or the state under seige
contemplate the inner soul
analyze and perceive
Trepidation, fear, anxiety,
adrenal as soldiers put their lives on the line
fighting a life of facade
barbarism
Freedom's flight
an unthinkable era
Prevail we must until the end
pray it will never happen again
learn from this travesty - never forget
thank you our babes in arms, fearful in flight
for your fighting for freedom's rights.
Linda Tofanelli 2003
...................................................
Soldier Or Adversary
A soldier or adversary
the quiet, frightful wait will never end
Bombs and gunfire, torn lives, shattered buildings
controlled by a ruthless dictator has left a country tortured and maimed
people bound by religion, blinded by fear, jealousy and hate
many fled, but is the enemy dead?
The veil has been torn away
ignorant and naïve were we
to think they would be grateful to be free; how can we possibly perceive
the life they lead with the shadow of tyrants at their head
can they believe in a word of free
A time for peace - - - - what lies ahead a mystery
Oh, how blind can we be?
We’re a nation, feared, loved and hated
our strength unequal to none
our leaders - smug, bold and strong
we eradicated their fate and once the deed’s done
the feelings of detest comes again in days without end
The shadow of enemies
blinded by a vision were we
I don’t trust you; you don’t me
will the killings begin?
Oh, how blind can we be?
Linda Tofanelli 2003
...........................................................
The Immigrants
Walls are bare, yellow paint is peeling
Doors no longer visible that kept so much within
Winds now blow through open hallways and empty window frames
With sounds reflecting cries in the night
As the roof with gaping holes ravaged by fierce winds
Succumbs once more to the chill of night
These bare walls faintly etched with feelings of despair and pain,
Humiliation naked and exposed
Eyes staring, exposed for everyone to see
Shattered lives torn apart, once dreaming of a new life
To end here in this holding hell
Families with hope clinging together in the dark
Their identity slowly stripped away
Yet the inner pride was never broken
For the strength of these immigrants
Forever will remain
As the winds begin to blow again
And dust escapes through empty window panes
Linda Tofanelli 2003
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Trust
I trusted in you
when I was small
in all you said and did
Holding your hand tightly
not very long ago
You stood so tall
in my eyes
Seeking love and approval
in this world of mine
Not wanting to leave you
but I must
Seasons and years pass
The need to explore
little lies, tears and more
New places and faces
new friends
no time to waste
You don’t understand
this new world of mine
Years have passed……
a family of my own
now little eyes look up to me
So much to love and yet
now I can see
feelings felt so long ago
as once more
wings begin to spread
But now I see
the familiar eyes I looked up to so long ago
now look to me
for love and trust
I will not fly away
with you I’ll always stay
Linda Tofanelli 2003
...........................................
The Seed
Our ignorance fueled your evil
a defect the Supreme Being made
for the miracle of the human body
with all its excellence
creates evil/good, weak/strong, health/sick, beautiful/plain
This body of miracles we both have
borne a defect, hatred within you;
which cannot be healed and the seed you planted continues to grow
fed by the fear instilled a short time ago
because time will not erase
the vision of your people dancing on our graves
burning our flag, while laughing at tears we shed
the sorrow of our soul naked and exposed
yet these tears of sorrow will fade one day but
never will we forget the evil you made
Our life has forever been changes; this naiveté once held
A weakness in its purest form
destroyed forevermore by the evil mind you borne
Linda Tofanelli 2003
.................................................
Til Death Due us Part
Side by Side
five words
softly spoken long ago
Now bittersweet memories
Once separated by war
so young and naïve
pledging love faithfully
Hand in hand
making a home; a family
From eyes to memory
when you and he became we
Five words
now haunting
Alone yet, no, it will never be
For no time can erase
precious memories
love shared
As you reflect on this special day
Your Anniversary
Linda Tofanelli 2003
................................................
Taps
The bugle plays at dawn, the beginning of a new day.
Hear the bugle at mid-day
S i l e n c e
Make it go away.
It’s not the sound one wants to hear
for the weary body is not resting after a grueling day.
Hush the sound
make it go away,
our brothers and sisters
precious,
protected from dangers cast their way,
guarded from sickness,
kisses and love always
made the hurt go away.
S i l e n c e T h e B u g l e
You know what it conveys.
People are talking
you hear not what they say.
The gentle breeze does not free
and the sound is not sweet.
With closed eyes one can see
the ominous storm that does not leave,
bury the bugle. silence the fear,
let there be dawn with no ocean of tears.
Linda Tofanelli 2004
.........................................................
Sweet Solitude
Deep in thought,
alone, no distractions, only thoughts,
while your mind's playing games
not thinking.
Off to a place you thought safe,
one sought for thought.
Listening to the flow of water
where dancing on the surface
the birds sing and chirp,
and if you listen closely
a hummingbird hovers there
whilst gentle breezes rustle leaves.
Sounds that escape your ears
are soon replaced within your eyes.
The sought after solitude has been chased away
by the beauty of the day.
Linda Tofanelli 2004
...........................................................
Colors
One and two don’t always add up to three
it’s no wonder colors follow the same gene
Red, a color for love
also means anger,Socialism and Ideology
Yellow commonly known for coward,
in a flower it symbolizes friendship - but
also proclaims a jealousy
Stick with lavender for your passion and pink for grace
encircled with white for the innocent and purity
within your soul
And leave the red and yellow for the answer
to one, two or three.
Linda Tofanelli 2004
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