I Will Never Remember All I've Forgot

This is a poem I wrote in memory of my Uncle John Shreffler who died this year from Late-Onset ALS.

I Will Never Remember All I've Forgot
(In Memoriam - John Shreffler)

His hands shake and his chest heaves;
He reaches out to capture the air.
Oh how quickly, he says, memories leave.
Grasping brings out a single tear.

The hidden mind has gone off course,
His genius of colors no longer sublime;
His mind now follows a mysterious course,
He can no longer paint outside the lines.

He was the glue to hold things fast,
He knew how to bring joy to a child;
How soon we learn nothing will last,
His wit and charm broadened many a smile;

Disease will dim and cloud the mind,
He asked, "Have you met my grandson, Proud?"
With a heavy heart and courage I can find
I say, "Known him for years." but not too loud.

Life can't be lived without many losses,
It has become our family's un-welcome norm;
People and memories turned and tossed,
Churning and Churning - like a gathering storm.

Some day we may make the clock rewind;
Some day we may recapture our youth again.
Some day we may travel back in time;
But will it remove the source of our pain?

One day you were here, and then you were gone,
You've escaped into the Creator's image-thought;
The memories will never bring you home,
But I will never remember all I've Forgot!

Reviews

[Karen Arizona]

Good poem, David. You've written a heartfelt tribute to John Shreffler. I like it!