Mirrors of Alzheimers

written too late for the contest, but wanted to post it anyway....

I had one of the most wonderful mom's any human being could have...she lives with me now - with decreasing dementia.., I answer her constant repetitive questions,
listen sadly to all of her accusations, but always have a hug and smile for her. The progression of alzheimer's is very difficult to watch and deal with...and I hope one day they may find a cure for it.... 

What a lovely bouquet of flowers sitting on the dresser top,
The sweet scent of lavender- who sent them? I thought,
Should get up and feed that spoiled cat before I go,
Got dressed, grabbed the TV remote, and made a cup of jo-
Think I’ll get the paper first- should be laying by the door,
Have to read what’s new today- I picked it off the floor,
That cat is never here, always wandering and staying out,
Think I’ll make a cup of coffee, now what’s all this about?
Why is my TV on?  I never watch it ‘til late at night,
Electricity must be shorting out – something’s just not right,
Going to call the landlord, she’ll get some nasty words from me, 
“Hello …Sadie...I’m just fine - come over, I’d like some company”
Knock, knock – who’s pounding on the door so early?  Why Sadie come on in, 
I was just thinking about you -  my dearest, closest friend,
Oh, thank you much, I see you put some flowers on my table,
You’re sorry about what…who got run over …god no, not Sable!
Sadie, my heart’s broken – I’m angry - I feel I’m going to die,
Now, now dear, please stop it, tell me, why is it you cry?
Wait until my little cat comes back – she’ll bring you lots of cheer,
Here’s some tissue for your eyes, I haven’t seen you for a year-
Let me make you a cup of tea, we’ll sit a while and chat,
Damn thieves!  They’ve taken everything – hope you like your coffee black!
That TV is way too loud , it blurs my thoughts and head,
Did I tell you about my cat?  Gone so long, I think - by someone else she’s fed-,
Hang on a minute, the phone’s ringing down in the hall,
Put the TV on if you want– you can watch Lucille Ball-
HEY, YOU THERE!!!  How dare you come in without knocking first,
I don’t need anything from you – last time you took my purse –
Of course I know who you are, are you trying to make an ass out of me?
I didn’t come off the banana boat – darling, would you like a cup of tea?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Adams Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 12:20 PM
Just lost a sister-in-law to Alzheimer's disease, Genevieve. It's very sad, and is extremely difficult for the caregiver. Her husband took care of her almost exclusively for over ten years. He did get a bit of help from Hospice near the end. We visited them often, just to give him a break. To me, he's a hero. Thanks for sharing.
Allison Avatar
December 6, 2015 at 5:12 PM
this brought tears to my eyes ... my mum has memory issues caused by a fall in 2009 but I can see her deteriorating and do worry she is developing Alzheimer's:-( hugs jan xx
Mika-Stevens Avatar
December 9, 2015 at 11:56 AM
Thx for reading and I hope your mom's memory stays with her. It's so sad to see - knowing it's impossible for them to create new memories. My mom was so intelligent and to watch her recede more each day is very difficult. I wish you the best with your mom...takes a strong person to deal with this. Also, I noticed your "mum" word - when you have a moment please read 'My Sweet Juliet Rose" poem - it's about an English rose...
Sietesantos Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 10:32 PM
Dear Genevieve, congratulations and a 7 on your great win! This piece is so sad and insightful of this disease and the devastation it causes!I assisted my husband in caring for his mother who suffered for years, so I can understand what you are going through. Stay strong, my friend! Warmest regards and hugs. Pandita
Mika-Stevens Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 1:10 PM
Thank you for your comments...you must be an extremely strong and caring woman to have helped with your mother-in-law. Again - thanks for reading!
A  Avatar
November 28, 2015 at 2:44 PM
Genevieve, Congratulations on your well-deserved win in Tammy's contest. <3 ForEver SKAT
Inman Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 9:40 PM
You have a little different feel then most I've read. Very down to earth and very well written.
Mika-Stevens Avatar
November 28, 2015 at 12:01 AM
James - thank you for the compliment...it's down to earth because this is my mother - the list could go on forever and and boy, it's tough to deal with-but we do what we can, as she was such loving mother...and we shed our tears too...
Dietrich Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 3:19 PM
Oh,my , poor confused lady. Your poem aptly shows us the confusion of memory loss from this dreadful disease. congrats on your win, and thanks for the great comment on my entry as well
Reams Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 10:43 PM
Congrats on your 2nd place win Genevieve! I'm happy you made it for the contest. What a fantastic write! Thank you for entering into my contest and Happy Thanksgiving.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace