Paradox of Emotion

A poem about feelings that come with the aging of a loved one.

She said that she had walked among the flowers,

But I see no flowers in the fields of Winter Wheat.

She said that she had heard a Robin sing,

But I've never seen a Robin on this street.

She said that Auntie Lou had come to visit,

But Lou has long since gone, passed away.

She planned to vote for IKE, in November,

If I would take her, in the carriage, on election day.

She didn't know me, the last time that I fed her.

And she gets angry cause her husband isn't home.

She doesn't remember all the people and the funeral

Then she cries because he's left her all alone.

She's been telling stories, remembered from her childhood,

And games that they played so long ago.

Such a conflicting state of sadness has consumed me

With a paradox of emotion that many know.

Then today she passed away without a word

And without a tear, I just said, "God rest her soul."

For the Paradox of Emotion has found an end

And the sadness in my heart --- has a resting place to go.

JE Falcon --- 11-17-2015

Author's Note

A poem written about my grandmother in her 91st year. (RIP)

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I worked in a chronic care facility for 12 years and knew many people who had varying degrees of dementia. It is sad to see as a caregiver, but for a loved one it can be agonizing to watch someone you've known all your life vanish mentally before your eyes. It may be a paradox, but it is normal to feel relief when someone is finally released from their suffering.

[JE Falcon]

Thanks so much for the comment.

[Coyote Poetry]

I understand this poem. I took care of my grandmother for her last two years. She would forget my children name. She raised me and I was thankful. I could return the kindness. You told wonderful stories in the poetry my friend. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[JE Falcon]

Thanks, much. Granny was a tough little bird, and much loved.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I've seen a few of those Robins...and wondered if they were still around when my
parents were lucid...
My dad knew me the last time I saw him in his dementia unit....I was so lucky for that.
It is impossible to think of our parents, so sharp all their lives, taking care of us, having all the answers...and then just fading out of reality.
Really telling stanza about Ike....hard hitting...in that second line did you mean "since"?

And it is interesting how in the later years the memory is still good to recall childhood memories but not for remembering ten minutes ago.
emotional piece.
j.

[JE Falcon]

Yes, I did. And thanks, Jabob, sense is since thanks to you, LOL --- It seems that people of my grandmother's day were tough as nails and reserved in their ways, at least my Okie Granny was. I can never remember a time that she hugged me, but I never needed a hug to know that she loved me; strange how that works. --- Have a great day.