Gregory Richard Barden Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

How Can I Care About Poetry

How can I care about poetry ...
       When my dad doesn't care about life?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When he can't recognize his own wife?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When my face is one Dad doesn't know?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When my real father left long ago?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When Dad struggles to find each small word?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When his mind and his speech are so slurred?

How can I care about poetry ...
       While this man that I so love is leaving?

How can I care about poetry ...
       When I have little care left for grieving?

How can I care about poetry ...
       While Dad's mem'ries go dark like the night?

How on earth can I care about poetry?!?
       Well, sometimes I DON'T care ... I just write.

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian November 8, 2019 at 9:46 PM How can you care? Because you do care... Care on so many levels. You care and so we are blessed with seeing inside your heart, and in revealing your pain, you express what many of us have experienced, but unable to share a gift as beautiful as you have given us. Thank you. Been away you make me glad I'm back. Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:15 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Barbara, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Louise Kwalton November 8, 2019 at 6:11 PM Greg, i’m afraid I haven’t been here in quite some time but when I got the email and saw your name I had to come back just to read what you wrote. The feeling you put into your poetry is so real, so raw, and so rare. And the reason is because you are so real and so rare. There are many poets whom I enjoy but there are only a few handful that I consider extraordinary and you, sir, are one of them. Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:15 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Louise, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Edward Ibeh October 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM Now this sad write has left a lump in my throat, Greg. It really speaks to me. I know what you're going through having lost my own father to dementia two years ago. Praying for you and your family. Keep on keeping on, my friend... Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:14 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Sir Edward, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

John Hamilton October 16, 2019 at 7:24 PM Hey Greg, thanks for sharing, we're in the same boat on this one, don't expect much from my father any more, it's sad, so sad. Keep writing and know that I care! Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:14 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, John, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Darlene De Beaulieu October 11, 2019 at 12:09 PM Hello Gregory R. Barden, a hug from me as well.My mom had dementia. My sister and i just did the best we could to make her life easier.I will also pray for you Greg. Have a nice day my friend. Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:13 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Darlene, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Kim Rodrigues October 11, 2019 at 6:32 AM Wow, Greg! Sending you a hug. Poems are cathartic. I am sure your dad’s inward smile...the soul that is imprisoned inside, wants for you to keep your passion lit. So sorry to hear about your father. My uncle’s health is in decline - dementia and otherwise. This uncle (no kidding) was taught to swim by Johnny Weissmuller, he swam with piranhas and is a writer and poet. Never knew this until recently. Prayers for your dear dad...Kim Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:13 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Kim, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Robert Lindley October 9, 2019 at 12:42 PM Facing such a tragic loss is one of life's deepest pains my friend. Your words brought back memories of my own fathers death and his battle with cancer. Death and darkness are in this world and we that face that curse must attempt to carry on and honor the blessed times.. Truly deep and heartfelt poetry my friend.. Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:13 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Robert, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Sunlite Wanter October 9, 2019 at 10:47 AM Oh, Greg, read what you write to him - it will be like a lovely symphony to his ears. My grandmother lived with us through her dementia years and you could tell she appreciated little kindnesses even though........ Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:13 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Sunlite, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart October 9, 2019 at 7:11 AM An affecting write. palpable. My heart to you my friend. xomo Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:12 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Maureen, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Jan Allison October 9, 2019 at 3:16 AM Dementia is such a cruel disease Greg, my heart goes out to you and your parents. It's so hard to watch the person you knew disappear before your eyes.... as for the final stanza just keep on writing. Into my faves for so many reasons but especially as my mum is ever so slowly slipping away:-( hugs Jan xx Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:12 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Jan, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3

Regina Mcintosh October 9, 2019 at 12:46 AM This is such a inspiration... I absolutely love it. I'm going to fave it for sure. You're a wonderful writer. God bless you with love and prayers, Gina Gregory Richard Barden December 8, 2019 at 11:12 PM Thank you so very much for these kind words, Regina, it means a great deal to me. Blessings to you, Friend. <3