Waiting In the Wings (A Study of Alzheimers)

The colors she wore clashed in confusion.
One sock grey, one sock blue
as her mind wandered ... where?
She never knew her name 
called out of the fog.

The blouse buttoned wrong
with sleeves too long
and she didn't belong ... anywhere.
When the fog settled in,
she stared out, turned around
full circle to a stop.

Very foggy now walking into a room
not knowing what to do there.
So, she sat in her coat and hat going ... nowhere.
Later from a hand come into view,
she is led to a closet to take things off.

Faces came and went, strangers all
even those who called out "Mom!".
She couldn't say who she was talking to
and that voice ... was that Her voice?

Who was Her?
Better not to speak at all,
let silence take her ... (everywhere).
Let the fog drape around her soul.

Perhaps tomorrow,
the curtains would close
and she would know
what was waiting in the wings.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Jordan Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Sue, how are you my dear - this poem seems more profound each read -Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week, God Bless, mj
Richards Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 8:32 AM
Wow, Sue.....I almost missed this amazing poem. The dark thoughts, the internal struggle....you captured the feelings, and the despair. Well done! Love, Carrie
Brown Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 5:46 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Sue. May you have many more features and may you find loads of inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Buys Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 1:58 PM
You have captured the tragedy of this disease very well. Beautifully written. Congratulations on being featured this week. Love Heidie
Winter Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 1:14 PM
oh this is so sad, I remember this well. congrats dear Sue on an amazing featured write. hope you got my email. love & hugs, shar xoxo
Guzzi Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 12:58 PM
A remarkable write...it felt similar to me trying to feel what the first woman felt coming from atoms to body and then "feeling?' and then "speaking?" odd..this backward and forward progression of consciousness.
Fisher Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Many congrats on your featured piece this week. Rgds Janette
A   Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 4:37 AM
congratulations, on your poem being featured this week,..p.d.
 Avatar
May 23, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Good use of imagery to share your thoughts. This is such a sad disease. Creative title. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Keep that pen flowing. Karen
White Avatar
October 4, 2008 at 8:49 AM
there will come a time when these type of things will be a thing of the past, in Revelation 21:4-5 And he wil wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. 5 And the one seated on the throne, said: Look! I am making all things new. Also he says: Write, because these words are faithful and true." so in the future we have a hope in the one true God, take care D-nyce
Foulk Avatar
September 28, 2008 at 8:47 PM
a beautiful written piece of poetry. thank you for reading my A young lad's first ball game and for your comment and for pointing out my missing word, i corrected it.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
September 28, 2008 at 7:50 AM
They are making inroads everyday into this disease. A little late for the victims now but who knows, in a few years. It is as difficult for the family as it is for the victim. I'm lucky in the sense that my Dad is 88 and is still mentally sharp. He still follows the Eagles and the Phillies and can give me stats and info I don't know. God Bless, Sue. Vince
Bolton Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Ah Sue, this one cuts me to the bone because it reminds me of someone I loved very much, but life got in the way and I heard she wound up much like you describe so eloquently . . . I was spellbound by your talent . . . Oh, I have just joined and wonder if there is another way to send other poets messages . . . Thanks, by the way for the tip about the contest and the free verse change . . .
 Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 1:25 PM
The vivid imagery forwards your thoughts in this poem. The sadness and hopelessness of this situation are creatively reflected. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Karen
Okubo Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 8:36 AM
Gee! This is excellent.Great imagery and flow with a touch of loniliness and wonder. I simply love it. Thank you for your kind comments on my poem Sue, Blessings, Margaret.
Reynolds Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 4:22 AM
So so so sad. You captured her darkness perfectly, this one hurt. Love Kristin
Winter Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 3:00 AM
This is a terribly sad way to live. Hurts my heart to read. Your expressive insightful writing is truly outstanding. Just so sad, and so well written. Love, Shar
Lakhera Avatar
September 27, 2008 at 1:20 AM
This was so painful. I felt like crying. Lovely pictures..to tell you the truth I'm speechless. Its amazing....the way you weaved it...wow. Love Chitra
Jordan Avatar
September 26, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Sue the metaphoric use in this poem clearly relays a very profound message - I was once this lost and I found someone else as lost as I, my wife. Together we found ourselves again and the rest as they say is history. Great poem Sue - God Bless
Yamin Avatar
September 26, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Wow! What a vivid picture your poem paints of a wandering mind with deep fog draping around her heart and soul. A beautiful write, Sue. I love your poem. -Mohammad
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