A Memory Returned
His body maybe in winter
his spirits still in spring
climbing up the neighbor's tree
pinching apples for himself to eat.
Carefree running down the
shore, building castles like
he had done so many times before.
Carelessly when in his youth
he even swam still in his boots.
He looked for adventure in every way
they always brighten up his day
from one adventure to another
nothing could stop this mischief maker.
His gentle smile then slips away
back into his winter time again.
Oops. I've read this already, thanks to Judith's recommendation. Still, it's well worth a second read and if I can give you a second ten, I'll try. Still a marvellous poem!
Perhaps one of the most painful things in life, to see a loved one being eaten away by dementia, brought into words so beautifully. If we manage to appreciate them as they are in the moment, and just be there with utmost respect, we will still mean a lot to them even these years of slow deterioration. A good and very thoughtful poem, Annette. Will touch anyone in a special way who has lost a close family member to this disease.
Very poignant poem, dementia is a horrible condition to see in others as once great minds slowly being to decline.
i don't use the word poignant and will look it up now. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (thanks, Google) poign·ant ˈpoin(y) ənt/ adjective adjective: poignant evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. a poignant reminder of the passing of time synonyms: touching, moving, sad, affecting, pitiful, piteous, pathetic, sorrowful, mournful, wretched, miserable, distressing, heart-rending, tearjerking, plaintive, tragic they read aloud the poignant letters written by the victims' children archaic sharp or pungent in taste or smell. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - yes, in some form, in some parts of the poem, poignant fits. but most of the poem IS spring. very nice. to MyPoemList. bri :) p.s and your Poet's Notes are a bonus. thanks for poem and 'notes'.
Memories are part of life. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
Annette, your poetry just keeps getting better and better, swimming in ones boots is only done willingly by the young, dementia is a tough thing to deal with, I commend you for putting memories into words.
Hi Guys and Gals I keep forgetting that I can reply to you under your comments but...today...forgive me I shall do a sweeping Thank you to you all at once..and hopefully remember in future....to reply underneath :) Annette
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Those brief interludes of recovery and remembering old activities make the disease more poignant. Often the ones that get it are otherwise physically fit. My mother-in-law was fine until after her 90 th Birthday. Slowly it took hold. It was very sad because I can never remember her being ill at all beforehand. It's a very moving poem, Annette.