the understanding we are gaining of the ageing process and its effects our minds is hopefully engaging our understanding and compassion, yet dimentia is a largely solitary state and an isolating one. It's hard to reach into our out of the sense of drifting away to sea in a slippage of fog. Persistance in communication - even if it seems one-way - and in affirming the personhood of the individual can assist in "holding onto them" and in "keeping them here", but that personhood can exist for only fragments of a moment at a time. Your poem makes me inwardly and outwardly weep, John. So sensitively written and yet so stark. Your detail is a vivid capture and peeks into places both in front of and behind the mirror of self and our perception of self. Very moving, thank you. Kate xx

Very insightful! As always I love your work!

John, "Tabula Rasa"...brings us to beauty instantly with these words alone...Life so beautiful from so many aspects
and then yet inside we see the circle's completion
your words are precise & very delicate to the senior years
and in this is also something so very beautiful despite it all...
and then knowing that nature will nurture the circles completion
Our Circle of Life...
Peace, Love & Inspirations
Vickie

Having witnessed my father deteriorate over a period of three years, your poem truly "hits home," Jon. Thank you. Love and peace to you,

Regis

So beautifully written.

Mary

...our trails of venture never cease, some are so full of sadness..this reminds me of the saying it takes a village to raise a child..I think these grown children now need to be there for the ones that were there for them...a community indeed...great write Jon
Blessings and Love,
Christine

From my experience, Jon, your fine talent accurately captures
the grim, depressive, shameless side of today's nursery homes
and, in too many cases, age, "where minutes tick away into [unforgiving] days." Great work, my friend. -gene.

Powerful write, Jon; well done!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! (Sick with a cold; not feeling my best. *ICK!*)

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( *tears!*

"...time an unflattering makeup artist
has absconded with ruby cheeks"...oh God, nothing could be more vivid, or creative. You paint eloquent and clear, Jon, you understand....not just understand - you know. This is grim, serious and very fine poetry.

John

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

Sad and dejected. Very vividly described.

So vividly described. I had a turkey dinner in a very fine and loving house here last Sunday. The five elderly occupants were surrounded by family for a brief celebration before slipping back into the existence you describe. That's why I favor euthanasia and a living will.

There is no character or grace in silent suffering, kept alive for the sake of living.

Ron

Jon,
A very thoughtful piece. I worked in a nursing home for some time. You recreate that somber feel for me. Great descriptions throughout this poem. Have a happy Thanksgiving:)
Sheila

Our tabla rasa is what it is in the beginning. Then, filled with life experiences it becomes what we are. As we reach an advanced age the tabla becomes muddled and unclear as to our recent past, but the middle times are so deeply ingrained they never leave. Hence, the residents of "rest" homes can recall 50 years ago with clarity, but yesterday is gone. Well done Jon.



Walt

Vividly penned - the older I get, the more I see this, the young foisting off their elderly to rest in these homes - 'rest'? Anything but. Powerful, Jon, these poignant lines - well done.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Happy Thanksgiving: I'm thankful for YOU. =]