Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

A Cross To Bear

Nick's descent,
            his thoughts neutralized
            words that spill out, hobbled
                                                nonsensical

dementia stifles all intentions,
                             reason eroding
                             wounded bewilderment 
sometimes he slips into Greek
                     his first language that crosses an invisible 
                                                                                    border
                                                                       self propelled
                                                                       unexpected
a weightless swim through memory's deepest weeds

once was the warm smell of happiness
once he had his footing
          a toughness that knew few limits
          warrior worthy, 
                        an emblem of defiance
but things creep beyond the fence of normal

he holds his proud visage still
Athenian brow, marbled composition 
complex dynamics to fight submission 
a gentle dignity 
      even as the recognizable world moves 
                                                   like a mudslide
                                                                           pressing in




Poem written November 21, 2021 (revised Jan. 1st/22)
Contest: This or That Volume 8
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh

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Jennifer Fenn January 31, 2022 at 7:28 PM What a great portrayal of Nick! There needs to be more poems like this to show that people with dementia still matter. Brian Sambourne January 31, 2022 at 8:07 PM Greetings Jennifer. Thank you for your positive take on my small offering. You encourage poetry with your generous words. Sincerely, Brian

Valsa George January 10, 2022 at 8:41 PM 'a weightless swim through memory's deepest weeds'- What a powerful line and what subtle portrayal of a dementia victim. Each line here is powerful ! Nothing in him has shrunken except his memory ! Great poetry dear friend ! Brian Sambourne January 11, 2022 at 6:34 AM Hello Valsa, Much appreciation for your thoughtful comments. Discovering your portfolio has enlightened me. May our pens continue to flow. Best wishes, Brian

Joseph P. DiMino January 1, 2022 at 7:52 AM Wow! Powerful poetry. Vivid. Soul stirring. I have also lived through this with close loved ones having succumb. It is heartbreaking to watch, to experience, I know. God bless you and yours! Brian Sambourne January 1, 2022 at 8:04 AM Thanks very much, Joe, for your positive take on my submission. I agree with you - dementia is a terrible situation to endure. Heart wrenching for all. Be well. Sincerest regards, Brian

Anil Deo December 26, 2021 at 2:09 PM what an honor to Nick, self-less offering for another. Love, "weightless swim through memory's deepest weeds/" shalom, shalom Brian Brian Sambourne December 26, 2021 at 4:06 PM My appreciation, Anil, for your stop by + comment on my small submission. All the best, Brian

Andrew John December 18, 2021 at 2:29 AM Spacing is so interesting, Brian. Love this piece. Brian Sambourne December 18, 2021 at 6:34 AM Thanks very much for your affirmative comment, Andrew. Take care of yourself. So many health challenges currently. Sincerely, Brian

Bill Baker December 15, 2021 at 10:12 PM I love the historical perspective and personification and imagery, Brian. A beautiful poem on reflection of past memories. First time visitor to your page, I'll be back. A poet friend in the making, Bill Brian Sambourne December 16, 2021 at 6:34 AM Thanks very much, Bill. I appreciate your drop by + supportive comments. All the best, Brian

Thomas Wells December 6, 2021 at 11:11 AM I think this poem masterfully creates a tension between the tragic slipping away of memory and the proud dignity still evident in the life of a man. Whether the poem placed first, second, or third in the contest is irrelevant. Keep writing, friend. You have a gift! Brian Sambourne December 8, 2021 at 1:08 PM My appreciation for for your detailed, insightful remarks, Thomas. As you well note, Nick maintains a stolid resolve despite invasive decline. Thank you again. Brian

James Marshall Goff December 5, 2021 at 9:47 AM So enjoyable to read such a richly crafted poem such as this Brian....to mine faves... Brian Sambourne December 5, 2021 at 9:55 AM Thank you James. Most thoughtful of you to post such an uplifting evaluation. As I was at the bottom of the list I am startled, delighted that you found my small piece. Best wishes, Brian

Edward Ibeh December 5, 2021 at 7:37 AM Congratulations on your 3rd-place win in my contest with this powerful write, Brian:-) I love your distinctive style and your use of imagery! You're truly gifted, my friend. Brian Sambourne December 5, 2021 at 8:18 AM Greetings Edward, Thank you for the placement in your contest + for your very supportive words. Often my darker submissions are dismissed in contests. However, I truly value your estimation + recognition.Sincerest regards, Brian

Gary Radice November 30, 2021 at 1:59 AM I always imagine, when reading your work Brian, how it would sound if recited. I'm referring to your spacing of words that immediately add depth and effect to the overall piece. Dementia is cruel. I often wonder if dementia with some insight - knowing something is wrong but not able to correct things - is even crueller still. It sounds like an oxymoron but the words I'd use to describe this poem are 'painfully beautiful' Cheers - Gary Brian Sambourne November 30, 2021 at 11:54 AM Hello Gary, Thanks very much for your insightful remarks. My friend suffering with dementia is in a kindly bemused fog. He is pleasant but drifts in thought + memory. As you precisely note: a "painfully beautiful" woods. Be well. Sincerely, Brian

David Kavanagh November 27, 2021 at 5:36 AM Brilliant piece of free verse Brian, there seems to be evil out there in this world, where it comes from is debatable, perhaps human madness and dementia is the underlying cause, perhaps random chaos, maybe some malevolent entity, I do hope your final stanza is correct, cheers David Brian Sambourne November 27, 2021 at 7:36 AM Greetings David, Thank you for your read of my posting + comments. Nick had a quiet, benign acceptance of his fate despite the loss of awareness. Best wishes Brian

Sara Kendrick November 26, 2021 at 4:43 AM Poor Santa. I knew that at some point this might happen. I am so glad that he has some young Santas in training to take his place but he will be remembered for a very long time by all of elderly people who enjoyed getting a little something from him. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Your visits to my page were uplifting. Sara Sara Kendrick December 1, 2021 at 3:05 AM Sorry about the miss understanding about whom the poem speaks. Good to know Santa is well. Dementia is horrible and it effects people in different ways and I did think you were speaking about Santa getting Alzheimer's but I thought it could just be a substitution for someone else. There is a form that runs in my husband's family but none of them are affected in the same manner. One of the sister's lost all ability to speak so no communication but the other sisters could carry on a conversation until their deaths. Sara Brian Sambourne November 26, 2021 at 6:14 AM Thank you, Sara, for your stop by + for posting an affirmative comment. Just a point of clarification, though. I am not writing about Saint Nick, however. Santa is still sound. Wishing you health + grand holidays. Brian (However, I am very sorry to read about your husband's sisters. My aunt's descent into dementia was so sad to view as well. Fortunately some medical advances have occurred. Take care of yourself. Be safe.)

Susan Ashley November 21, 2021 at 8:08 PM Dear Brian, your beautifully poetic pen is as potent as it is poignant. Between the great title and impactful last line is the intimate portrayal of Nick's dementia, expressed with emotive and evocative artistic finesse. This feels very close to your heart. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan Susan Ashley November 23, 2021 at 4:45 PM We are well, my friend, and I hope the same for you and yours. Thank you for your encouraging words, they truly mean a lot to me :) Brian Sambourne November 21, 2021 at 9:13 PM Thanks very much, Susan, for your insightful comments on my small submission. I hope that you are well. I read your fine work + know that your pen flows mightily. Best wishes, Brian