Erased Memories

That greatest thief of all of time
Is erasing my memories.
He comes in unexpectedly
With no thank you or a please.
I labeled them very carefully,
And filed them away in my mind.
I knew they would be there when needed.
They would be so easy to find.
Page after page of my long life
Would be there for a book.
But what has become  of those images
And mental notes I took?
Alzheimers slipped into my storage room
And has left everything in a heap.
How could he treat me so cruelly?
Did he do this when I was asleep?
Whose are these faces around me?
I really don't know them at all
And I don't recognize the pictures
That are hanging on my wall.
Why has he hidden my babies?
I'm so sure I can hear them cry.
I look but I cannot find them
No matter how hard I may try.
Please go and find my mama
Everything will be alright.
She knows that I will need her
To tuck me in at night.
I'll just pull up these blankets
And wait for her to come.
Now who is it I'm waiting for?
It's okay, I've found my thumb.



Placed 3rd in Rub It Out contest  8th in earlier contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Prabhu Avatar
January 7, 2012 at 7:58 PM
very touching. i am sending this one to my dad.. i had a tear in my eye after reading such touching poetry... greetings from goa
Scholtz Avatar
January 6, 2012 at 5:17 PM
This is a really lovely poem, congratulations Joyce and Happy New Year. Elizabeth
Brown Avatar
January 6, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved featured poem this week Joyce. Love, Carol
Austin Avatar
January 5, 2012 at 3:24 PM
Heartbreaking, alzheimers. Wonderful poem, Joyce. Congrats on the selection. Love, daver
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 3, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Congrats joyce on "Erased Memories" being featured this week on Poetry Soup.
Brown Avatar
June 7, 2010 at 6:10 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Paula's contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 12:01 PM
congratulations, Joyce. I'm sorry I had not seen this one yet. It's a poignant write. Gosh, please tell me this was made up. You do not have the beginning of this horrible disease, do you, dear? Luv,Andrea
Green Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Congrats on your well deserved win.
Mehta Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Congrats on your 3rd place win
Tideswell Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 3:31 PM
Congratulations on your 3rd place win. An excellent and poignant poem.
Sweetheart Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Big congrats Joyce on your 3rd place win in the Eraser contest with this fabulous poem ... awesome words... wonderful win.. enjoy .. another victory dance... luv.. Linda-Marie..
Winter Avatar
November 15, 2008 at 7:17 AM
Congrats on your win in the Mental Illness contest! Well deserved! Love, Shar
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