Alison A Smith Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Written 25th July, 2026 for Pick-A-Title, Vol 58 Poetry Contest sponsored by Edward Ibeh

Demolition by Soft Touches

Fog, a white breath  
pressing the world flat,  
    the outline  
         forgotten.

Rain falling,  
softening  
the shape of the day.

Memory moves,
     a pale pressure,  
         a drift.

Clouds break.  
       A ray of sun.  
             A memory sparks.

Memory begins to fog;  
      names mist over,  
          slowly, 
              ebbing.

Fragments remain:  
    thoughts behind mist,  
        whispers of light.
  
a hush gathering,  
    the day thinning,  
        thought fading.

Not ruin.  
     Not collapse.  
          Only the mind  
                 slowly forgetting.

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Edward Ibeh August 4, 2026 at 8:08 AM Heartbeat congratulations on your win in my contest with this superb, powerful piece about dementia, Alison🙌. Love the style/format as well Alison A Smith August 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM Thank you for your contest and judging it is appreciated. Demolition of a mind little by little softly removing the mind from remembering both past and present.

Curtis Johnson August 4, 2026 at 7:18 AM Indeed, I like this. We are blessed when Fading things do it soft and tenderly. Blessings. Alison A Smith August 4, 2026 at 3:27 PM Thanks Curtis

Joe Maverick July 25, 2026 at 11:33 PM It works at many levels gurl..Damn these Aussies are good. .If not geat i'll put i Reckon? it's all that leaning back ya know.? Lets ya strike a spot between balance.?? And symmetry geez thats a Longie for me.) Alison A Smith July 26, 2026 at 12:02 AM I am glad you enjoyed it.

Paige Hind July 24, 2026 at 11:38 PM interesting, and my worst fear lol...imagine to forget your very self, anyway, beautiful beginning, <3 Paige Hind July 25, 2026 at 7:31 PM you know, you have a point, :) Alison A Smith July 25, 2026 at 12:11 AM Thanks Paige, I think it's something we all fear. The good thing if our mind goes we no longer know.

Nette Onclaud July 24, 2026 at 10:59 PM a soulful read reflecting visages of memory loss...i like, ali ! Alison A Smith July 24, 2026 at 11:11 PM What is more like Demolition by Soft Touches then the erosion of memory

Karen Jones July 24, 2026 at 10:51 PM I feel the angst in your words. Makes me think of those who struggle with loss due to Alzheimer’s disease. Very emotive write Alison! Best wishes! Alison A Smith July 24, 2026 at 11:10 PM It was based of dementia - the slow erosion of thought.