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

[Lonely Bunny]

I can feel the raw pain in your words. How skillful you are at drawing out these emotions.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much and apologies for this late response. I appreciate your review.

Chris

[Mystical Ink]

Your poem was a touching read. It beautifully captures the poignant journey of a loved one navigating dementia. The imagery of early summer days and Auntie's maze of memories fading into the past evokes nostalgia tinged with sadness. The poem sensitively portrays the contrast between cherished memories and the disorienting reality of dementia, highlighting the poignant moments of recognition and confusion. Your portrayal of love and reassurance in the face of Auntie's struggles is touching and resonant, making the poem a heartfelt exploration of memory and familial bonds.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for an in-depth and understanding review. Apologies for this late response. I have been having a break. All the best.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a tragic situation. When a loved one has dementia, it is best to just agree with most anything they say. My aunt thought I was my grandmother....and I went along with it. Holding her hand and telling her you love her is the best thing you can do, Chris. Heartfelt words....so well written. Lydi***

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your wise words Lydi*. I appreciate you. Sorry for late response. I have been having a break. Take good care of you. Happy Sunday.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

And Happy Sunday to you as well, Chris. I have not been on WC in a long time myself.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris
I know the feeling, my mom....and others...it eats your heart out and you feel helpless, what to do, what to say...it seem nothing will change... the way you portray this is so empathically and soft....and feeling helpless yet pouring out your love the best that you can do...and it seems you accomplished...
sad, but oh so many....
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Betty for your words of understanding. Not an easy situation to deal with as you know. Have a sunny Sunday dear friend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Wii try …recovering from shoulder surgery! 🌹
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Hope you make a speedy recovery Betty 🌹

[Vol]

Chris,
I'm not sure which would be worse, to have any form of dementia, or to be like my mom and have all your mind but nothing else working. Mom was always independent, stubborn, and brilliant. She is still all of those things, but can't see, can't hear, and had no cartilage in her knees. She cries all the time.
In any case, when we lied with extended family, we could share the duties of care, but in today's world brothers, sisters, and parents are willy-nilly and gone in every direction, and it is hard on everyone.
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Vol. Sorry for the delay in response. I have been having a break. Sorry about your mom. It can get really difficult. That, I know. You take care and look after yourself too.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
 It's all cool, I hope your break was sweet and refreshing. I said "When we lied with family, " I meant lived..."lived," so I'm glad i got to correct that... And WELCOME BACK!
Vol

[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