Dementia Daze Poem by Simone Harriman
Dementia Daze
Far away from a familiar reality
In some recurring nightmare
Of paralyzing inertia
My mind empties its armoires
Damp with silverfish and camphor balls
Inside a frail shell of mottled chalk skin
Stretching over blue hollows and sliding
Into foreign boxes of polished ivory
All my glue is disappearing
Eddying agitated for rescue or reason
There is no itinerary
A dead neuron floats by
Familiar eyes me defiantly
I become beached on an island
Inside a sad lonely cloud
A stranger wades over
I am led to a vast void
And abandoned on the brim
I fear I shall never be found
Balancing at the brink
I'm looking out a mildewed window
Storm rain taps and scrapes her nails on my nerves
Leaves sweep and cower in corners
A wild branch flays a wailing ghost
Nothing makes any sense
Seated inside a windswept atrium
Why am I crying?
My mind is closed as a coffin
I just want to go home
Long bones are combing my hair
While I'm swallowed alive in catacombs
Etherised thoughts tangle, blur, and decay
From no-one to no-where to nothing
[cont.] Now, nearly age 74, I put cartons of milk where they belong, in the broom closet (a lie) . Oh . I can (almost) feel the DAYS of my D-Daze coming on. : (
Perhaps YOU, my friend, ARE demented? : ) About 4 years ago, around age 69, I found myself about to 'return' a carton of milk to a cabinet (true) . [cont.] ...
You've supplied me with a description of this poem (sort of) : 'Nothing makes any sense' I wonder how accurately and how often the poem reflects the 'feel' of dementia, IF one can feel it. bri ; (
Did you know? 'A type of cupboard, cabinet, or wardrobe - originally used for storing weapons.' (3rd definition I found for 'armoire') bri ;)
This evocative poem delves into disorientation and introspection, painting a vivid picture of emotional turbulence. The yearning for home and the unraveling of thoughts create a powerful exploration of inner struggles in a surreal landscape.
While I'm swallowed alive in catacombs Etherised thoughts tangle, blur, and decay From no-one to no-where to nothing'
'Familiar eyes me defiantly' Hmm? What does this mean? It seems some word(s) is/are missing.
I lost my Mum to dementia I truly understand this poem Bravo!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/5/2025 7:18:25 PM # 1.0.0
A thorough investigation of the effects of dementia, and fantastic poem. Loved the exquisite way of presentation.