April was National Poetry Month! We have a number of very talented residents who took time during the month of April to put their talents to work in creating poetry. Below are a few of our favorite selections from residents all over the Metro Detroit area. Check them out and let us know what you think!

“THE AMERICAN HOUSE”

By Bob Preiur of American House East Two

The American House is our new home,

While living here we’re never alone,

We have friends and staff beyond compare,

It makes our lives worth living there,

I really feel we’re part of the family,

That gets along just great and quite handily,

If ever you need help in what you do,

There’s always a friend to help you through.

Take for instance the dining room staff,

That serves our meals like a friendly task.

They never hesitate to fulfill our needs,

With a loving touch to always please.

I Thank God daily for being here,

And trust my friends will always be near,

To make my day always pleasant and warm,

With that daily thought I can handle a storm.

Keep up the good work and loving touch,

That all your tenant’s love so much,

You’re a breath of fresh air and sunshine too,

We always appreciate the things you do.

 

“HOME”

By Alfred P. Murphy of American House Village 

The saying is “A house is not a home”

My American House is, just read this poem.

Living with people, a kin,

to sisters and brothers,

cared for as would be fathers and mothers.

They say that these are “The Golden Years”

I agree, with a minimum of tears and fears.

 

“OLD FASHIONED”

by Dolores Stanislawski of American House Dearborn Heights

Am I old fashioned because I like to see,

The old, old movies on the TV.

I like to listen to a simple song,

For the mellow music, I do long.

I like to say please and thank you,

To others who need that kindness too.

Am I old fashioned because I don’t wear my clothes so tight,

Because I try to get along and don’t fight.

I’ll let others go first in line,

I’ll tell them I don’t mind.

I let a gentleman open the door,

I even give money to the poor.

Am I old fashioned because I like my home,

Night or day I don’t like to roam.

I clean my own home, I don’t hire anyone,

What gets done-gets done.

Am I old fashioned because my hair isn’t frizzy,

I have leisure time and not too busy.

I don’t spend more money than I can make,

I refuse to pay interest so they can take.

My car isn’t new and I don’t mind,

I never needed the other kind.

Am I old fashioned because my bible I read,

Because I do unto others and plant the seed.

I always try to look clean and neat,

I never know who I will meet.

I still believe in heaven, I still believe in hell,

I want to know the bible and know it well.

You can call me old fashioned, I don’t care,

But don’t call me old, Don’t you dare.

 

“SPRING IS HERE”

E. Gentry of American House Hazel Park

On the map this is spring,

But outside it’s winter.

No robins to be seen or rabbits running about.

No trees have blossom out.

The sky is blue the sun is out.

I know it is spring.

 

“IF….”

By Nell Beare of American House Hazel Park

If I could live my life again,

What would I do over?

What changes would I like to make?

What secrets would uncover?

If I could live my life again,

I’d surely ask more questions

About my family lineage.

I’d follow the suggestions

Of people wiser than I am

Who tried to give direction.

I’d even try to benefit

From well-deserved correction.

But one thing I would not undo –

No, more than one, I tell you –

I’d marry the same loving man

And bear our lively offspring.

I’d not give up the work I love

Of teaching little children

About the saving grace of God

And how to get to heaven.

I’d try to be a better friend,

A better wife and mother.

But this is true – the years I’ve lived

Cannot be changed for other.

 

“THE GAL IN THE SCOOTER”

By Frances Wigton of American House Riverview

The gal in the Scooter with the pretty red hair

Is always on call as she flits here and there.

Bob, her trusty side-kick, is at her beck-and-call;

The two of them together seem to have a ball.

They make “assisted living” seem like so much fun

With their testimonial video on “americanhouse.com”.

Model boats and string art keeps them occupied,

And now they are teaching others in their classes on the side.

They finished and furnished a doll house to the amazement of us all

From the carpet on the floor to the picture of Bob on the wall.

They oversee Bingo and play cards at night.

Their Scooters on Fort Street are a very familiar sight.

At American House Assisted Living, they’re someone we all know.

The red-haired gal in the Scooter and her 96 year old side-kick Romeo.

 

“ASSISTED LIVING”

By Frances Wigton of American House Riverview

No more loneliness, no more fear

You’re in assisted living; be glad you’re here.

No more lawn to mow, no more dirty dishes,

And, there is always someone to grant your wishes.

When you reach our age, there is not much choice

So, don’t complain, and save your voice,

Just sit back and enjoy the ride

Over the hill to the other side.

Don’t look back and bemoan your fate;

You can’t live your life over no matter how great.

What matters now is what lies ahead

So make the most of it; at least you’re not dead.

Put on a smile, and look around you;

The people you meet are sure to astound you.

It can only get better whatever you do;

Keep looking up; it is up to you.

AMERICAN HOUSE

At American House, we’re committed to enriching the lives of our residents with activities like creative writing and poetry reading. Call us today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com to schedule a tour and find out about the exciting opportunities we can offer to your loved ones.