As you know, here is a long tradition among poets of writing fiction in the first person. The sailboat in the poem was real, and the woman who commented from the shore. Three 'fishermen.' In fact, everything is true . E x c e p t that no one in my immediate family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. [to which I lost my best friend years ago, among others. . .disease has had an impact on virtually everyone I know, and will continue to until a cure, or at least effective treatment, is found}. Doesn't mean it won't happen, and that is where the fear and anxiety fueling this piece come from. Shouldn't happen to a n yone!!
Re the poem overall, I expect it is obvious that I have mixed emotions. One of my most treasured memories!
Thank you for being here.
Pea
N: also revised to change the 2nd ref'ce to the three men who called out in passing; redundant "good ole boys" was not intended! Too much cut-an'-paste!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Before Lightning Strikes
Little tomato-red boat for a song. Sun turning lemon, then hiding. Flump, flump, flump of water objecting to our waifer- thin hull. Three good old boys pretending to fish. Two of us hugging the quiet end, me in a homemade bathing suit doesn't fit. Sale seersucker, stripes, forgotten threads dangle. Marshmallow cream on your nose, I tease. Weekday, lake to ourselves, amost. As we cast off, a woman sets down a pail and points. "That a boat or a biscuit tray?" Ask the three drift buy near noon, high as the sun despite their motor-rigged boat is riding low. Mostly fishing brews from a humongous cooler. "Cain't be married," the bareheaded one yells. "Too happy!" "Years!!" you yell back. Boom 'bout beans, feel myself melt. Flump, flump, flump. Sky flawless, then clouds. Forever getting to shore. Don't say tack to me. Shower with you after best. The cool. The tingle. Who said tired? You have to remember, you have to. Boat, sun, biscuit tray lady, something. Trio with the outboard- size cooler? Beet pate? Look again, okay? Say we will sail again. Worth the risk. No way we'll allow Alzheimer's to lock us in. Now help me remember where we hid the sunblock. Know how easy you burn. Think!!
(c) Phyllis Jean Green, January, 2008
Want to review or comment on this poem?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews of "corrected and annotated} Before Lightning Strikes"
Understand perfectly well what can and does happen, both my parents had this dreadful and debilitating disease. You are so right though, it should not happen....
Be safe,
Karen
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on January 13, 2008
I've worked for many customers who have
partners with Alzheimer's.
I'm by means making any fun of this lady,
but she would come outside every 10 minutes
or so and say, "are you painting my house Sir?"
I would politely say,"yes Mam."
I was doing the work for her daughter.
I've noticed it's really hard on the pratner, daughter, son, etc.,
without the disease..
Stay safe Phyllis..
Yes, it is a dreadful disease that robs the patients of one of life's most treasured but often forgotten assets of their lifes...dignity. It is also a disease that more often than not affects the loved ones even more than the patients at times.
Superb write, but such a myriad of emotions here Pea, I can hardly think of a comment!I too had friends that had it and having cared for two people with it for as long as I could bear, I believe it is the most treacherous,leaving an empty shell of what once was a vital mind that did all a human could...too sad to think of...
Forget me not. Remember with the heart. So sad. Liz
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on January 12, 2008
Yet, I read yesterday there is a new drug, that works I hear as a defence. And if the brits approve it, then it prolly does work, due to such rigid restrictions... I'll try to find the article...
Powerful and quite effective
for that message, Pea! I can
relate as my father before he
passed had a bout of that.
So...oh and also there may be
LOL some smart "good ole boys" ;)
Very powerful message within this write
You are correct.....one never knows when the body
Will be attacked by any kind of illness or
Such as Alzheimer's.!
Brilliant and powerful write!!
Peace Love and Hugsss….Morning Star
Even more powerful the second time 'round: still, what I said rings true. Lightning -- in the form of Altzheimer's or accident or sudden illness -- can strike at any time, blowing holes in the memory. Excellently penned, my (((friend))).
From the author of Jupiter Remembered and Until It’s Time: Embracing Life In Our Later Years comes Petals of Love: Poetry of a Woman’s Soul – a heartfelt collection spanning more than thirty-five years. Through tender reflections, these poems offer g
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Be safe,
Karen
partners with Alzheimer's.
I'm by means making any fun of this lady,
but she would come outside every 10 minutes
or so and say, "are you painting my house Sir?"
I would politely say,"yes Mam."
I was doing the work for her daughter.
I've noticed it's really hard on the pratner, daughter, son, etc.,
without the disease..
Stay safe Phyllis..
Fee
ET
for that message, Pea! I can
relate as my father before he
passed had a bout of that.
So...oh and also there may be
LOL some smart "good ole boys" ;)
You are correct.....one never knows when the body
Will be attacked by any kind of illness or
Such as Alzheimer's.!
Brilliant and powerful write!!
Peace Love and Hugsss….Morning Star
Even more powerful the second time 'round: still, what I said rings true. Lightning -- in the form of Altzheimer's or accident or sudden illness -- can strike at any time, blowing holes in the memory. Excellently penned, my (((friend))).
(((((HUGS))))) and love, Karla.