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

[alexAlexander]

Thanks, Chris for sharing. It touched my heart because I'm Mom. Pass 6/11/24' of dementia and to ready your poem today was with great consolation. Again Thanks!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind words. I feel for anyone who has lost a loved one to this disease. It is cruel. My condolences on your loss.

Chris

[alexAlexander]

Thanks, Chris, for your gracious words.

[keith]

such insult life is ... riddled with design flaws and abject defects
helpless at birth defenseless at death
apt to make wrong moves based on failed cognitive incompetence and self-inflicted stupidities

but as flawed we are there is resolution as we possess the abilities to lov to be loved and practice empathy unlike the other critters
it is disheartening to witness the breakdown of what once was

your brilliance shines bright thru choice shown
'fast forward to a wretched end'
'pieces of the jigsaw gone'

needless to give compliment when your writing stands on it's own buy i will anyway
i could not stop reading and did a second run ... a gracious tribute to a loved one

please don't let anyone know there is an apparent 'soft' spot within me

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Keith for stopping by to review. Your thoughts are always appreciated. Have a good day. read moreThank you Keith for stopping by to review. Your thoughts are always appreciated. Have a good day.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. I feel the pain. Memory paints pictures.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Thomas. I appreciate your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Soren]

Chris I have worked with so many that have suffered this terrible illness and over time have come to see that all is not always bad. The pain with those lost and adrift who in panic are stuck in emotional pain of past trauma or recognized their being lost but with those who mistakenly are in a happy place I would not wish to disturb their peace. This poem so full of imagery and common memories is so human in its read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for sharing your valuable experience. Yes, if she is in a happy place, do not disturb her. A sad situation, but not uncommon. Many thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is so sad....you have been there for her despite the lack of appreciation.
Are we all headed for that place?

[Chris Shaw]

Hi J. It is progressing faster now and it isn’t pleasant to witness her decline. If she is happy, that is ok, but sadly she is not often in a happy place. Who knows what’s in store for each of us in our advancing years. Thank you for your thoughts.

Chris

[NormaZ]

Hi Chris, heartfelt as ever! A beautiful poem dealing with a not so beautiful situation. I haven't been on much, a lot going on, (all good), but I hope to share some poems soon.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Norma, lovely to find you here. I hope all is ok in your works. Thanks so much for stopping by to leave your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Chris this hit home to me too
I thought it was well written and straight from your heart ❤️. Julie

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your thoughts Julie. Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I've sadly lived through this experience with my mother before she passed away in 2011. Words close to home and so heart wrenching. F.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry to hear you experienced this dreadful illness with your own mother Fabian. It isn’t an easy journey is it? I really appreciate your thoughts. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris, I'm so sorry for you. It must be heartwrenching to visit someone you've known all your life and not have them recognize you. Perhaps even worse is to visit and recognize that they are nothing like the person you've known and loved for so long.

Take care , with deep affection - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dave for your kind thoughts. Dementia is such a cruel disease and you can never be quite sure where it will lead to. It creates fear for the future. Hope all is good with you. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Dave]

So far, so good. Millie is seeing a doctor tomorrow who may be able to help her with her swallowing problem.
Take care - Dave