I Vaguely Remember

I vaguely remember when you weren't 
sick.
I try to wrack my mind to recall who 
you once were.
I've always loved you with my whole 
heart.
But to be honest, I really don't know 
you, I do, but I don't.
You have been sick for so long; it hurts
that I can't make you well.
I've prayed that your sickness would
leave and never return.
When I was younger, I didn't understand
your illness because it wasn't physical.
Medication manages and controls your
symptoms, but you’re not well, you’re 
still sick.
I wish I had the chance to really know 
the real you.
I believe the real you is somewhere 
locked inside your mind.
But your debilitating sickness has you 
bound.
Nevertheless, I love you for who you are
now and the person you once were.















02/25/2021

Resubmitted 04/25/2021
Contest: Your Best Free Verse This Year So Far 
Sponsor: John Hamilton
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
April 27, 2021 at 2:46 PM
This is so sad when this kind of thing happens to a loved one . Very feeling poem. Congrats for the win.
Goldsmith Avatar
April 27, 2021 at 9:46 AM
Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! What a story/write. You had a great ending. Have a blessed day....................
Evans Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 11:07 PM
Great poem, Alexis. So expressive.
Hamilton Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 6:46 PM
You were wise to enter this one Lexi, you knew it would touch me and it did. Congrats on a great great write and win!
Y. Avatar
April 27, 2021 at 2:50 PM
Hi John, Thanks for allowing older poems to shine. That means a lot coming from you. Every bit of this poem is true. I appreciate my placement in your contest- Alexis
Babbit Avatar
February 27, 2021 at 1:44 AM
We must be grateful for what we have, the sickness, the understanding, the knowing and not knowing but love is - simply is.
Sands Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 1:33 PM
Alexis, this is so well expressed and written. It is very powerful and shows the impact of such a situation and shines with your unconditional love as well :)
Ball Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 12:03 PM
Oh Alexis this hit home. I live with that. We may be getting better though. The doctor thinks it may be his medication and changed it. God Bless, JB
Leffanta Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 10:25 AM
It is extremely difficult for some people to recover from the sight of a stray cat, never mind a loved one, yet we survive! Aloha! Rico
Lamoureux Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 8:10 AM
This is sad. Yes Sickness can overwhelm the one who is sick and the one who cares for them. Each loses who they were. The sickness is a relentless thief. On the other hand it reveals the essence of who you both are. Those who persevere are truly extrodinary. Hugs Rick.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 7:10 AM
Heart rendering write Alexis, sending warm hugs, xomo
Pandit Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 4:46 AM
I hear the trembling my friend--a loved one feeling helpless not being able to do much in face of such an illness. All one can do is offer love--- as your ending lines aptly suggest, Alexis.
Balasubramanian Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 4:14 AM
"It hurts that I can't make you well. " - I have been through this and wished I were a doctor. Sad but lot of us go through such situations. Looks true to me. If then I will only say I understand what you are saying. Not easy. Take care, Rama
Cunningham Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 1:55 AM
A very sad verse Alexis, my mom went that way, it was like she wasn't there any more. Have a great weekend. Tom
Buhagiar Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 1:24 AM
This is hard to digest especially as I know other people who is suffering from such mental illness. We can only pray. A well written poem.
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