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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

Date: 1/31/2022 7:28:00 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
Date: 1/31/2022 8:07:00 PM

Greetings Jennifer. Thank you for your positive take on my small offering. You encourage poetry with your generous words. Sincerely, Brian

Valsa George

Date: 1/10/2022 8:41:00 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
Date: 1/11/2022 6:34:00 AM

Hello Valsa, Much appreciation for your thoughtful comments. Discovering your portfolio has enlightened me. May our pens continue to flow. Best wishes, Brian

Joe Dimino

Date: 1/1/2022 7:52:00 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
Date: 1/1/2022 8:04:00 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

Date: 12/26/2021 2:09:00 PM

what an honor to Nick, self-less offering for another. Love, "weightless swim through memory's deepest weeds/" shalom, shalom Brian

Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/26/2021 4:06:00 PM

My appreciation, Anil, for your stop by + comment on my small submission. All the best, Brian

Andrew John

Date: 12/18/2021 2:29:00 AM

Spacing is so interesting, Brian. Love this piece.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/18/2021 6:34:00 AM

Thanks very much for your affirmative comment, Andrew. Take care of yourself. So many health challenges currently. Sincerely, Brian

Bill Baker

Date: 12/15/2021 10:12:00 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
Date: 12/16/2021 6:34:00 AM

Thanks very much, Bill. I appreciate your drop by + supportive comments. All the best, Brian

Thomas Wells

Date: 12/6/2021 11:11:00 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
Date: 12/8/2021 1:08:00 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

Date: 12/5/2021 9:47:00 AM

So enjoyable to read such a richly crafted poem such as this Brian....to mine faves...

Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/5/2021 9:55:00 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

Date: 12/5/2021 7:37:00 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
Date: 12/5/2021 8:18:00 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

Date: 11/30/2021 1:59:00 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
Date: 11/30/2021 11:54:00 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

Date: 11/27/2021 5:36:00 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
Date: 11/27/2021 7:36:00 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

Date: 11/26/2021 4:43:00 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
Date: 12/1/2021 3:05:00 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
Date: 11/26/2021 6:14:00 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

Date: 11/21/2021 8:08:00 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
Date: 11/23/2021 4:45:00 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
Date: 11/21/2021 9:13:00 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