Battling Alzheimer's - A poetic sadness
A new day begins
Who are you? Where am I?
Soft panic rising in lovely eyes
I’m helpless, she’s helpless
I smile and reassure her
You're home darling, look around
The quilt you made on the chair
That vase from your mother
Let’s look at the family album
A blank permeating stare
Nothing has gotten through today
Frustration my handy friend
Sick inside, both of us
Her mind, my heart
The walk of our twilight
Now just a faded dream
I step fearfully alone
Uncertainty my loyal guide
Exhaustion and failure today
Perhaps tomorrow
A light could shine again
I’m forever lost in the echoes
When we laughed together
And quiet times we read minds
Home was wherever we paired
I’ve tried to run away
In my mind, I make excuses
It’s not her anymore, she’s gone
But my eyes see her
Memories of every moment
If I just find the right one
Maybe today I’ll recapture one
Just one smile brings hope
Remember me my love
That man of your dreams
The maker of memories
Not the thief
© 2016 Ralph Schwartz
Dealing with Alzheimers
Author's note
This certainly came out of nowhere. I was suddenly mentally assaulted with the reality the spouse of someone with Alzheimer's feels every day and it saddened me. It's a fictional piece, but the emotions are real. I apologize if it dredges up any painful memories.
Blessed Be
Comments
AUTHORThanks - I'm glad I could share it
You captured the light in darkness. My mother had Alzeimer's disease. I could see the awful changes and the saddest part is you are left helpless. My mother always helped me and now I could do nothing. What an incredible piece. Emotional and deep. Thank you for sharing.
Oh no, it doesn't offend me at all. Quite the opposite. It's a terrible disease with no rhyme nor reason to it. Dad and I were very close, but he forgot me first for no particular reason.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for sharing MizB - Since I wrote this from a non-experience background, I didn't want to "speak out of turn" and say something hurtful to my readers just because I didn't understand it firsthand. I wish you all the best in dealing with the future!
This made me cry, too. I'm afraid I may be facing this with a family member in the near future. It is beautiful, though. How could it offend anyone?
- AUTHOR
I'm so sorry. I hope this didn't offend you Will.
I lost my dad to this, and he forgot me first.
Made me cry. I worked as an aid in an Alzheimer's wing for 7 years, truly heart-breaking for families.
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