Dear Memory,
~~~
I trusted you.
Confided.
Entrusted precious pictures,
Timeless tales
And momentous memos.
~~~
My treasures fall,
Discarded
Like autumn leaves
Left in the gutter
To fade and crumble.
~~~
One by one,
Abandoned,
Withered and windswept
They disappear in the dark,
Lost in your synaptic seas.
~~~
Will you relent?
Repent?
Return to me what's mine?
Or will I drown, searching,
Finally forgetting me?
~~~
Fearfully,
Your Foundering Friend
***
Fear of Alzheimer's Disease is a very real thing, as I realize more with each passing year. I believe it's one of the things that drives me to write relentlessly.
Thanks for spending a moment in my mind!
*** This piece was submitted to the Vocal Epistolary Challenge. Find out more and enter it here:
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist
My poetry collection: Life, Love & Ludicrosity
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin6 days ago in Humor
Comments (15)
Written on sand, or on autumn leaves. Bravo!
Does someone in your family have Alzheimer's . Hopefully you have a supportive family.
❤️💯😉
That's powerful! Good luck with the challenge. The things we've been finding out about the illusory nature of our memories is creepy enough without Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia to haunt us. I understand your concern very well! 😬
This hit me so hard. Thank you.
"that time of year thou mays't in me behold"... indeed! I know this plight. I feel that same fear as well. Separating yourself and memory is what really works for me here...the distance. The extended metaphor is wonderful, too!
This is a beautiful poem, Dana! I do understand your fear and can only encourage to continue writing about it.
Dana, this poem is beautiful! The comparison to autumn leaves was truly brilliant. It touched me deeply. My grandmother and great-grandmother both suffered from Alzheimer's, so I can relate to your concerns. Keep writing, my friend! Your work is so amazing!
Alzheimer’s is just so sad. Keep writing. Sending you hugs and love!
Dana this is raw and real and clear. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with us. Out of curiosity, have you ever had an interest in board games? Some of the newer board games that are being made today feel like a cardio kickboxing class for the brain. May be just the preventive medicine to help, if it appeals to you. (In case: www.boardgamegeek.com) Either way, excellent poem :)
This was so well written. My grandmother had Alzheimers and yes fear of it is a very real thing
Nice poetry, Dana. Well done. Our minds are our greatest treasure for they are the aspect of ourselves we most recognize, and our memories are the book of our lives💙Anneliese
How many times in my ministry have I looked into the eyes of an Alzheimer's resident & the only part of them I can see is that small fragment trying to remember how to get out, or the moments when memories slip to the surface & I've gotten to hear of things long past while they stare off into the distance, seeing everything. I've known some who are like Fran Fein's grandmother on "The Nanny" who said something along the lines of "You can tell me a joke a thousand times, & to me it's still funny because I never heard before." Usually it seems they're accompanied on the journey by someone who is tender, patient, loving & kind. Others are terrified, angry & upset. Others still seem entirely vacant, staring blankly off into the distance at nothing at all. It's a cruel disease, especially as you know & can watch it slowly slipping away.
Excellent work, my memory has always been like a sieve but I can always find what I need. I know how lucky I am.
Ice job buddy, it’s a sad reality 😥