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Lost

Roots of memory battered by erosion 
          a tempest that edits thought
Aunt Em fears "stupidity's spread"
          her words for Alzheimer's 
          she sometimes babbles like a baby blowing bubbles
She knows her husband's philandering 
His escape from gibberish accusations 
His exit door, unashamed
                         "Can you just shut up for once!"
 His words that hammer the air
That throb through her thoughts

My Aunt Em
                unbracketed
                depression that marinates
                that simmers in disillusion

The delicacy of her mind
                 string tied balloon 
                 that drifts away in night
                 to what's imagined and unseen
                 breaching all her walls
                 detachment's silent
                                          branching




Poem composed: June 1, 2021
Contest: Open Poetry (5)
Sponsor; Charlotte Puddifoot

Copyright © Brian Sambourne | Year Posted 2021

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 12/2/2022 4:36:00 PM Oh my such splendid writing on one of the worst diseases that can possess a person body and soul. I just had to check out this trophy winning poem. Charlotte has great taste in free verse. A very belated congrats to you and thanks for the sweet soupmail Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/2/2022 7:08:00 PM Greetings Andrea, thank you for your most thoughtful evaluation of my Alzheimer's poem that was based on the dreadful struggles my aunt faced. Best wishes this holiday season + always. Be well. Brian

I Am Anaya Date: 3/5/2022 1:21:00 PM It is so painful. My father kisses me on the forehead a lot of the time I believe it's because he remembers me. Very nice! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 3/5/2022 1:58:00 PM Thank you, Anaya, for your stop by + comment. My aunt was much troubled in her final years. Be well. Brian

Jennifer Fenn Date: 1/31/2022 7:29:00 PM You write with such compassion! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 1/31/2022 8:03:00 PM Most thoughtful of you to visit my page Jennifer, and to post such a reassuring comment. Thank you. Brian

Paul Callus Date: 1/7/2022 1:54:00 PM Hi Brian, I am impressed by the excellence of your work. You treated this topic with respect and understanding. For many, the benefits of old age go up in smoke! ~ Regards // paul Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 1/7/2022 2:31:00 PM Greetings Paul. Thank you for your affirmative comments. Recently, I have received 5 NA's in a row from contest entries so that result has stilled my pen currently till I regain motivation. With appreciation, Brian

Diane Perna Date: 12/10/2021 7:34:00 PM Amazing, so well-written & so detailed! I hope to write this well one day. Nicely done! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/10/2021 7:42:00 PM Hello Diane, Thanks very much for your uplifting comments. You're very kind. Your own work has much merit, however. And so we let our pens flow. Be well. Sincerely, Brian

Brian Strand Date: 9/14/2021 4:02:00 AM Some inventive imagism here Brian 'string tied balloon drifting'..'simmering in delusion ' Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 9/14/2021 7:54:00 AM Thank you Brian for your stop by and thoughtful comment. I hope that you are well. Best wishes, Brian

Paghunda Zahid Date: 7/12/2021 5:25:00 AM Congratulations on your win with this beautifully crafted poem. It is really painful to see someone you love suffering from Alzheimer. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 7/17/2021 2:16:00 PM Very thoughtful of you, Paghunda, to leave such an uplifting comment. Thank you. Brian

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/24/2021 6:35:00 AM I’m good with any piece that makes me feel something. No reason to shy away from difficult subjects. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 7/17/2021 2:15:00 PM Affirmative comments such as yours Richard, keep the pen flowing. All the best, Brian

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/18/2021 6:45:00 AM I can see why this is a winner. I like how you expressed this piece. Many layers that made me think. It has a chaotic feel and an undertow of frustration and desperation that feeds the narrative. Thanks as well for reading one of my pieces. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/21/2021 9:45:00 PM Greetings Richard, Thank you for taking the time to read my work. Very thoughtful of you to comment on a topic disturbing that pains some readers. Be well. Brian

Sara Kendrick Date: 6/10/2021 3:33:00 PM Alzheimer's Disease takes a toll on those who watch and wait on the person. It hurts to see them go down hill. Congrats on your winner. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/10/2021 8:05:00 PM Hello Sara Many thanks for your drop by + congratulations. You are so right that the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's ripples outward + affects others. Take care + enjoy the spring. Sincerely, Brian

Regina Mcintosh Date: 6/8/2021 1:38:00 AM Congrats on a wonderful win. I enjoyed your write. God bless you always, Love, Gina Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/8/2021 5:39:00 AM Thank you, Gina. Your widespread support of so many poets on Poetry Soup is a constant joy for all of us. Best wishes, Brian

Beryl Edmonds Date: 6/7/2021 7:23:00 PM Congratulations Brian your free verse poem so deserves the trophy. I’ve seen it all too, my mother-in-law suffered for years with Alzheimer’s, slowly deteriorating day by day, my own mother had dementia, it was horrific in both cases… Belle Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/7/2021 8:12:00 PM Greetings Belle, I am sorry to read that your mother-in-law suffered from Alzheimer's, such a cruel, ruthless thief. Your mother, too, suffering from dementia - was another crushing blow. My aunt kept saying she was "getting stupid" - her term for the cognitive decline. In the early 80's, little was known about Alzheimer's. Be well, dear lady. Thank you for responding to my small entry. Brian

Susan Ashley Date: 6/7/2021 6:51:00 PM Dear Brian, your brilliant pen portrays a poignant scene. The tender, intimate, sad beauty of your artistry brought me to the center of this exquisite and potent piece. I admire your poetic skills, my friend, your style captivates the imagination and seizes the heart. Congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Charlotte's contest. So very worthy, dear poet. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/7/2021 8:18:00 PM Dear Susan, You are most generous in your thoughtful, uplifting comments. Thank you for such inspiring words. To all the poets on Poetry Soup, you are most gracious. Your own work is truly exemplary. Sincerest regards always, Brian

Jan Allison Date: 6/7/2021 10:48:00 AM such a poignant piece many congrats on your win Brian:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/7/2021 11:47:00 AM My appreciation for your congratulations. Charlotte is very accepting of submissions that deal with difficult topics. Best wishes always, Brian

Beata Agustin Date: 6/6/2021 8:27:00 PM Congrats! Thanks for sharing this grim reality in your awesome poetic way. God bless you. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 9:42:00 PM Hello Beata, thank you for your kind congratulations. Yes, it was very grim for my Aunt who died too young with Alzheimer complications. Happiness + health to you always, Brian

Paula Goldsmith Date: 6/6/2021 10:32:00 AM Congratulations on your win. A creative story/write. So True and Powerful. I have been through it. Enjoy your win with blessings.......................... Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 10:34:00 AM Thank you, Paula, for your congratulations though I am sorry that you + your family experienced Alzheimer's. It is a curse. Stay strong. Be well. Brian

Christuraj Alex Date: 6/6/2021 6:54:00 AM Beautiful. Congratulations! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 6:56:00 AM Thank you, Christuraj. I enjoyed your recent submission as well. Best wishes for further fine writes in your portfolio. Brian

Gary Radice Date: 6/6/2021 5:09:00 AM Powerful, poignant and brilliant. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 6:13:00 AM Hello Gary, Thank you for your affirming comment on my submission. Sometimes the past is the blaze that moves a pen. Such is my recollection from my dear aunt's ordeal. With appreciation, Brian

Rama Balasubramanian Date: 6/6/2021 4:11:00 AM Congratulations on your trophy win with this remarkable write on a difficult subject Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 6:16:00 AM My sincere appreciation for your thoughtful congratulatory comment, Rama. Be well. Brian

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 6/6/2021 4:05:00 AM this was a clear winner as soon as i read it..a memorable poem on a poignant subject; original phrasing, with some nice alliteration, and i liked how you opened the poem with the word 'roots' and closed it with 'branching' - well done, and congrats on your 1st place win in my contest! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/6/2021 6:23:00 AM Greetings Charlotte, Your comments on my submissions truly encourage me. Thank you for the recognition. I am accustomed to my bleak pieces inviting limited appeal, but your recognition that there is a place for gritty topics in poetry is immensely reassuring. Thank you again. Best wishes, Brian

L Milton Hankins Date: 6/1/2021 9:23:00 AM A very interesting write, Brian. I feel great sadness for your Aunt Em. Too many cases like this these days. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 6/1/2021 10:14:00 AM Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Milton. It was a tough end to my dear aunt's life. She discovered her husband's infidelity by chance in removing stuff from his pant's pockets to have the pair cleaned. My aunt died in the mid 1980's. Best wishes + good health to you. Sincerely, Brian