In The Maze

( the progression of dementia in loved ones )

these early summer days
find auntie in a deeper maze
of lost in the past

memories of years gone by
blue sky and childhood friends
fast forward to a wretched end

today she didn’t remember me
pieces of the jigsaw gone
scattered and eaten by brain’s decay

i had morphed into my mother
her brother’s wife and she was
so delighted to see me

how young you look she said
how do you do it tell me how
where have you been all these years

why am I staying here
can you take me back to the square
to see my mum and dad

glad the visit was cut short
her caught in the misery of dementia
and the fear of what she suffers next

so held her hand and hugged her
what else can you do other than
reassure her and say you love her

Reviews

[John Sullivan]

Chris, with my paternal Grandma it was cancer. She beat it once. Intestinal cancer. It wasted her away. I remember the last time I saw her. She had shriveled to nothing, gaunt and skeletal. She couldn't really move anymore, there just wasn't the muscle mass remaining. She looked mortified. The family stood around and said nothing. Just watched. I'm so thankful I had the presence of mind to walk up, kiss her on the cheek, and tell her I loved her. Tears welled in her eyes. That poor, brave woman. Still think about her 20 years later. Cheers, friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend for that heart felt share. That kiss meant the world to her. She felt your love and showed it. I really appreciate your response. We never know what is in store for family members or even for ourselves. Have a great day.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

We don't, it's true. You're a kind soul, Ms. Shaw. Appreciate you

[Melinda McQueen]

What saddens when someone you love doesn't remember you. I have heard of people not remembering loved ones... But show them a picture of Jesus and they know exactly who He is!
Very touching poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melinda for your kind support. I do believe what you say would be right for my aunt. I appreciate you stopping by. Hope you are keeping well.

Chris

[Andrew John]

You seem to've written so much about remembered family, and you express this emotion so beautifully and yet with sadness. Nice to read you, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Andrew for another thoughtful review. I so appreciate all the support you have shown for my poetry. Have a great day.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

How sad, how real raw truth is, worse: unstoppable. As a friend said of her mother, ' So wish I could have my mum back.. ' Your words touch.. as often you have, Chris. Watching death whilst it lives means 'pain is not only in the room but seeled in time due.' Have seen, felt and kissed it too many times. It hurts

Yours is fine writing.. always has been,

[MrBlack202]

I love your poem and the depth behind every sentence

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind comment.

[Ita Bobo DAfrican Poet]

The more you share love, the more you receive. ❤️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stopping by. All the best,

Chris

[Lore Keeper]

Very well done, such a powerful, heart felt piece. Though I haven’t lost anyone close due to dementia, I did reflect on the far too many people both family and friends lost to cancer, and other ailments.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend for sharing your thoughts. Apologies for my late response I have been taking a break. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

So sad to warch a loved one lostto dementia. My mother struggles wit it ... most of the time she doesn't know me and yet she will be 100 yrs old in November and still hanging in there.

Your depiction is very much what it is like to deal with.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ted, thanks for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful review. Many apologies for this late response. I have been taking a break.
All good wishes.

Chris

[Archishman Rick]

Dear Chris, The last stanza is touching. The overall poignance reflects the often difficult reality of mortal decay, which when involves close and loved ones makes the experiences tough to digest. Losing someone suddenly and unexpectedly is certainly one thing, but watching them gradually fade while you still retain some hope of recovery is quite another. I've seen both. Best wishes and stay well my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much my friend for a thoughtful review. Apologies for my late response. I have been having a break. All the best to you.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris… I am certain that she was Charmed by your Visit. We are experiencing the beginning of our Twilight Years… it is necessary to Carry a Lantern 🏮 most of the Time. We
❤️ love our Berries and Oatmeal and holding Hands at Dusk. The morning Sun is yellow and lavender.. and when it Rains.. we carry our Cane to maintain our Equilibrium. Be blessed 😇 my friend. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, sorry for this late response. I have been having a break as well as eye surgery. Take good care of both if you. All good wishes. 🌹

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... you have been in our prayers. I trust your eye surgery went well. Autumn is a touch of Chrysanthemums and Prayers. softly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... so happy you are recovering from your eye surgery. We will keep you in our Prayers. Roger and myself have become more relaxed and it seems to help us survive the aging process. "It is amazing to not be put Out to Pasture" as they say. I appreciate reading your Poetry again. gently, Pat