scrambled eggs

scrambled eggs

 

 

i hear voices chattering

from within the home

hear him laughing at space

 

he hears nothing

but his eyes dart around the room

and the smiles tell him he is understood

 

even though the stories make no sense anymore

he tells them anyway

 

and wonders if she's still listening

wherever she is

 

the clamor soon dies down,

time for bed check

 

his alone time

with thoughts of her lying beside him

 

next day's breakfast will bring more stories

he'll get through the day with a scrambled smile

a laugh or two

and hope she will save her last chuckle

for him

 

at their rendezvous 

when he hears that late night clock

ticking,

in what's left his mind.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

10/8/16

Reviews

[Suzy Hazelwood]

Excellent poem, really love this!! Speaks of real life, and yet beautifully written, like a vivid scene from a novel or a movie! :o)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Suzy,

j.

[Tom]

Compelling almost surreally ironic, how the debilitating mind holds onto those more distant and precious memories opposed to the present tense, as it gradually concedes ground to the ravages of disease, a sad and particularly difficult issue for loved ones in attendance!

A discernible write Jacob about an all to common plight and one very difficult to counteract!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Tom...
j.

[Norman 223]

Sadly, dementia is distressing, but the only consolation is that the the "victim" is unaware. Having had to meet this situation on several occasions, your poem has a particular poignancy.
N.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Norman...it is sad that we can all relate to this condition so well, with loved ones suffering from it...but yes, the victim, unaware..

j.

[sL]

This is a sincere look at a not very often talked about certainty in life. As always, a great work from you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Stephanie...

j.

[forgotten_ghosts]

Very sad and touching. I can somehow relate. Reminds me of my grandparents. Very well done!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, forgotten_ghosts...

j.

[Ted Kniffen]

This strikes a chord, j. My soon to be 92 yr. old mother has suffered from dementia for several years now. Visits can be interesting. There are days you have no choice but to smile. Telling the story in this fashion should bring it home to all of us. Our turn is coming. Good write.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, and sharing your story, Ted.

j.

[Beccy]

I don't think he wonders, he knows she still listens. The great contradiction of the human mind is its limitless capacity compared to our thus far limited understanding.

How perfectly sadness and beauty combine when a true poet speaks from the heart.

Beccy.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Beccy...

j.

[andrew mitchell]

i saw images of dementia here j his mind was once whole now scrambled getting glimpses of reality of a confused mind only to have that ticking echo in a now hollow mind.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, thank you, andrew.

j.

[aLittlePain]

Fabulous title j! This was sad but beautiful, it reminded me of my dad. R xo

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Rach...for understanding and relating.

j.

[barleygirl]

This is the best, most tender & hopeful description EVER for the ravages of mind slump (whatever it may be caused by). I love the tone of acceptance & even admiration, that such mind lapses or scrambled mutterings are just as meaningful as the most eloquent soliloquys. I love the plethora of detailed glimpses behind the clouded window thru-out your precious tribute (((HUGS)))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, barleygirl.

j.