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Tanka Triptych

though Mom's memory
is slow she smiles at photo
taken many years 
ago when life was simple
with no confusion chaos 

Mom's hospice nurses
are thorough even small things
are giant matters
as life's boundaries implode:
sleep, dress, eat, nap, sleep, repeat

long term memories~
through it all she still recalls
her little girl (that's me)
(her jewel) I'm by her side
as she finds eternity

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 8/17/2025 5:15:00 PM

what a touching poem and one that spoke to my heart. My mother, too, suffered from dementia. She always remembered me and my childhood. This is an astounding contest entry. I'm impressed, sincerely, hugs, Sar

Chetta Achara
Date: 8/17/2025 9:01:00 PM

Thank you. I have to confess the poem is a bit of a fiction. My 90 year old mother is in hospice and becoming frail and weak. My brother and I are her primary caregivers, however she and we are blessed that she does not suffer dementia. I have friends whose parents have had dementia, and their experiences helped shaped this poem. XOXO