ancient visages of ghosts
wander the haunted attics
of his mind
dragging chains of memories
made rusty by time's passage
down the stairs
i yell at them to "shut up!!"
as he yammers in their voice
he flinches
it's as if i have slapped him
he dances with alzheimer's
... . ... i'm ashamed ... . ...
A terrible disease..you have captured the both the horror and the sadness. My best friends parents both had Alzheimers...it breaks so many hearts...Love, Diana.
Karla,
I especially love the beginning of this poem; powerful metaphor! I worked on an Alzheimer's unit in a nursing home. My heart broke every time one of the women asked about her husband. The nurses had to gently remind her that he was dead if they couldn't distract her from the question. How horrible...to see her relive that pain daily. Fine poem indeed! Love and Hugs~
Sheila
Karla, you have done an exceptional job writing about the illness. The other night on the news there was a report that more and more people under age 60 are falling victim to its wrath.
How a disease can just take over our body and mind, robb us from all we desire. It tears me apart Karla to see others with this. Thank you for sharing.
Alzheimer's is indeed a robber and a ghost... a nerve and mind-nibbling stalker. Who can fathom it, from either outside or within. Those with the grace to reach out and hold the person undergoing such alarming change and disorientation is to be lauded indeed. I can feel the pain on both sides here. Bless you, Kate xx
Well, I don't know the person you're referring to, but I the know the A. disease well, as I cared for my Dad (mostly at home) the last years of his battle with A. And it is truely how you describe in your stark, concise style. And I too, was ashamed at times how I reacted under stress - it is all part of the horrible telescoping of it - but in the end God will intervene when it is too much for all - and Death is welcome at that point in this disease.
Strength and love to you (you'll need it) michael
Karla, this is so short and powerful and beautifully sad...as you know I am dealing with Alzheimer's in my family and it gets harder every day. I have much to feel ashamed of some days too. I try to be patient. I struggle. We can share our shame and our love and good intentions, yes? btw. the imagery was outstanding.
Seems like the nightmares are taking over the storms, and lightning, and twisters and...
I hope you have good memory for faces because there are no mirrors around.
Such a frustrating disease. I have felt those same effects..My best friend's dad is suffering with Parkinsons and Alzheimers..double whammy.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"
Hi Karla -Scrooge came to mind in these lines, and that feeling of being so ungenerous because someone is irritating - you penned it succinctly whereas i wrote a huge rambling unpostable anywhere thing when i had a drunk man under the balcony screaming all night various racist obscenities - that last line -i felt that too, the desire to chuck a bucket of water over him was averted!-only when i realised that he was also not well. Alzheimer's needs carers with buckets of patience and humour, and emotional strength - my granny had it,i think/hope her carers had this - good poem Karla xx
There are many diseases in our society in need of a cure --- Cancer and Alzheimer's are near, if not at, the top; end stage renal disease is one, near and dear to my heart and something my family deals with every day.
Thanks for re-posting this poem and best wishes to MaryGrace.
Jill
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on March 15, 2008
Indeed, there must be a cure for it soon, they are so close...
Dear Karla , Thanks so much for reposting this poem . Its words have haunting clarity and vision that enable the reader to see what is happening. I dread the road ahead of me , and still pray a miracle cure will be found soon....MaryGrace
Heartbreaking: Alzheimer's is a cruel, insidious disease that must be horrific for both who suffer from it and their caregivers! God bless them as they navigate this hard journey together! Very powerful pen; brava, Karla!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
Oh I love the way you put things and the way you mind thinks. I never thought of alzheimers and chains but now it will be hard not to. Great poem, sad topic. Love, Bonnie
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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God Bless
Michelle~
I especially love the beginning of this poem; powerful metaphor! I worked on an Alzheimer's unit in a nursing home. My heart broke every time one of the women asked about her husband. The nurses had to gently remind her that he was dead if they couldn't distract her from the question. How horrible...to see her relive that pain daily. Fine poem indeed! Love and Hugs~
Sheila
Peace,
Dan
Newfie Hugs are on the way, Rose
Strength and love to you (you'll need it) michael
John
Love Tinka
Thanks for reposting,your loving friendship and care
for MaryGrace!
be well and happy,
Kathy
I hope you have good memory for faces because there are no mirrors around.
Georg
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"
Jasmin Horst
Thanks for re-posting this poem and best wishes to MaryGrace.
Jill
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
Cryssa
Dear MaryGrace our heart just pour out concerning her health.
Thanks Karla for posting this,
Hugs Gwendolyn