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Dementia

She sits by herself in the dayroom absent-mindedly taking her med, her head is a blank, she knows nothing, braceleted, brought to her bed. Sedation has settled her nightmares and delivered her safe from her fears, but who are these strangers with clipboards, where'd she come from, and why is she here? She's showing no signs of aggression, as a matter of fact she's serene, no tantrums, no throwing or spitting, picture-perfect, a story-book queen. By day she's the doctors' conundrum, every measure is tried for a clue, but the secret is buried inside her, closed for business, not out for review. As night falls she's back in her bedroom, left alone in confusion and tears, frightened, with nothing to contemplate but the blood, and the screams in her ears.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 5/14/2012 8:19:00 AM
Ah Keith, this one speaks to me in such a personal way; I was a nurse and dealt with these people then bacame one myself. I came out of it 2 years ago but was in a bad state for 5 years. Your poem is so sadly beautiful and how I enjoy what your write. Luv, Lizzie..........P S I never got your email, pls try again; thanks!
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Date: 5/17/2009 7:57:00 PM
Every persons fear. I have seen this horrible disease attack some wonderful minds. You described it accurately and with compassion.
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Date: 5/2/2009 8:56:00 PM
If there's one real power the poet has in my book, it's the ability to enter a mind not his own and speak from within about what he sees, the way you did with your subject. This is the perfect case where this ultimate act of kindness is necessary since the patient can't speak for herself. She needs you to be her voice. Your last verse really drove it home for me Kieth. I couldn't live in this kind of state. -Yoni
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Date: 5/1/2009 5:24:00 PM
Excellent sounds so sadly like my mom during her last month..I think it's a good verse for Something Wicked This Way Comes contest! LIGHT & Love
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Date: 5/1/2009 2:43:00 PM
A very accurate but sad portrait of demention. People who cannot understand what is happening around them must feel very lonely. "Sedation has settled her nightmares" says a lot.
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Date: 5/1/2009 1:17:00 PM
i can picture this in my mind- and it scares me. This is a great poem to read
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Date: 5/1/2009 12:56:00 PM
This is horrifiying place ..demential..when I forget where I put my keys I start thinking about this kind of thing. You have captured this whole situation beautifully. Good work. BG
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Date: 5/1/2009 10:43:00 AM
dementia-this made me remember about one of my fav films the love story and dementia is well described here,definitely well,you make me wanna hug this lady and tell her all is ok--wonderful
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