Going Before You've Gone

This is a poem that will affect many people around dementia and the impact it has

Where do I begin, the present or the past
To help your mind settle, so the memories may last

I wish I could help, maybe take some of the pain
As you struggle in front of me, forgetful again

The cruellest of suffering, for those that know well
The loss of those stories you so loved to tell

“it’s me, you remember“? I probably say far too fast
As you speak to me more, like someone from your past

The repetition of chapters, from the life that you knew
Losing pages and knowledge of the family you grew

Emotional for those around you, so frustrating at times
A selfish response, you have no blame in these crimes

We see the decline, knowing the memories you made
Will live on in us but for you they will fade

The shell is familiar, but not what’s inside
“Come back to us please, there’s no need to hide”!

Each morning is a challenge, as you try more and more
To remember your life, and the day just before

If I could have one wish, a chance to repay
To regain all you’ve lost, even just for one day.

Author's Note

All feedback welcome

Reviews

[angel]

Sad. but beautiful in its way. I worry about it happening to me. I laugh and say "I was just doodling", when I get caught writing my granddaughter's name down. The truth is,I actually forgot her name...Morning Star...for about a week.That was horrifying.
I also stood looking at the back door for about five minutes before asking someone to help me. I had to admit that I'd forgotten how the latch worked, which was humiliating.
As for your poem, it is poignant and beautiful.

[Matt B]

Thank you so much for sharing the effect this has on you, I am glad that I was able to capture a view and get my feelings across

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my dad had dementia in his last years...i was already missing him before he was physically gone from this world...he was such a smart man with the sharpest memory....it really is an awful disease...i always wished i could give him back his memories toward the end...just one more time.
i really like your slant rhyme in the second stanza.
j.

[Matt B]

I am sorry to hear that this happened to someone so close to you, thank you for your comment as I wanted to show that this affects all in such different ways

[John the Baptist]

A very powerful one here. I worked in a chronic disease hospital for 12 years and witnessed many scenes like the one portrayed. Very good rhyming and unified theme.

[Matt B]

Really appreciate this feedback John, glad that I was able to get across the some of the sentiment, my preference is rhyming, know some may not like that style but I find it a rewarding challenge