Bob Quigley Poet Rhyme

Dementia

I see her sitting in her chair
The wheels are locked in place
My gaze is met by hollow eyes
No expression on her face

It's clear she does not know me
Nor does she recognize
The life that swirls around her chair
She cannot visualize

In her lap there rests a doll
Cupped within her arm
With the instincts of a mother
She shelters it from harm.

I wonder what still lies within
What thoughts run through her head
When her whole life consists of
Her wheelchair and her bed

How much of life does she retain
What treasures does she hide
How much does she really know
That she keeps locked inside

Does in her heart a love still glow
Do cherished memories play
Or like her withered body
Have they too gone away

I wish that I could reach her
And visit for a while
But I can offer nothing
But compassion and a smile

11/25/2011

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Harry Horsman April 12, 2020 at 11:26 PM Roaming through my favourite poems, this one so special.....,

Black Eyed Susan November 28, 2011 at 8:14 AM aww, so sad. it must be very frustrating for you and yet you handle it with a positive attitude, offering what you can. I love the stanza about the memories, if they still play. beautiful description. Bob Quigley November 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM Thanks Susan. It is such a humbling experience to be around these people.

John Castro November 27, 2011 at 10:42 AM wow this almost made me cry nice work 7 up Bob Quigley November 27, 2011 at 1:18 PM Yes John, it is sad. And no cure.

Harry Horsman November 27, 2011 at 5:41 AM This is brilliant Bob, having worked in 'áge care' i feel the sentiment here, wonderful poem. just got to go to my favourites, along with you. harry Bob Quigley November 27, 2011 at 8:01 AM I volunteer at a nursing home one afternoon a week and see this all around me. Sad.

Andrea Dietrich November 25, 2011 at 11:30 PM Yes, I think some of us know this feeling all too well. The older we get, the more chance we have of finding it in our own family. Sad one and well written, Bob. Bob Quigley November 26, 2011 at 1:40 PM Thanks Andrea. Always appreciate your comments

Doris Culverhouse November 24, 2011 at 1:47 PM sad....my mother in law is like this..... Bob Quigley November 24, 2011 at 2:06 PM My mother suffered with it too. It is sad to watch