Alzheimer's, Dementia, Poetry, Please submit your

Poetry

Have a go at writing poetry yourselves if you've never done it, before opportunity knocks at diagnosis' door.
Please send us your poems at friends@alzheimersforum.org.
Barry has compiled a book of poems called Poetic Thoughts taken from Alzheimer's Forum and Alzheimer's Society websites about Alzheimer's and dementia. Have a look and read them at your leisure.
Latest poems
Left Alone, by Barry
My day started with harmony I was feeling on a highSince my body and mind had awakened seeing eye to eye,But my exultation within was not that long to remainAs I'd forgotted this day I was to be left alone again.
'Twas 7 in the morning as my darling gave me a kiss and a hugWith the dilemma in her eyes much clearer than the sky above,I'm not that far away she soothingly and withassurance expressed,Just keep a calm mind and don't let yourself get stressed.
As she walked out the door I locked it tight from behind,Switching on the alarms for some extra security of mind,If intruders should encroach to confuse my day even more,Then a piercing warning would echo through the solitudeof my air.
Thus my lonesome day slowly pursued its own path,I wandered from room to room with my inner fears noone to convey,But what if I should stumble? And now where is my lunch, I cried!Thought I'm sure you must have told me you had preparedit in advance.
Then disorientation seized me as the walls all started to close in,Is that my shadow on the wall? Or is it an evil spirit within?I was trying to conquer the hallucinations now castbefore my eyes,When all of a sudden scurrying commotions overhead did arise,Was it merely trickery inside my ears? Or maybe it's just a mouse!
So I tried watching the TV but it was to be of little avail,Since the voices and images to my mind had all become veiled,I sat at the computer to write down my inner fears of the day,Yet my eyes and fingers would not correspond in the same way,Yes, my early morning harmony lay around me shattered in affray.
Then as the evening moon finally took turn from the sinking sunMy wife at last returned, her day's hard labour had been done,She embraced me ever lovingly asking, 'Have you been ok?'I nodded with a smile and a Yes, it's been a very good day!But now it's even better that you're back in my arms,As we lay our heads together on pillows of soft silky downI quietly gave thanks to God that my lonely day was at an end.
Of Two Perspectives, by Barry
We live in our own world of delusions and fearsThat distraught our mind throughout days and nightsBut do we reflect about the one we most loveBe it our partner, husband or wife?They take upon their shoulders our continuous careWithout thoughts of themselves or their quality of life,Yet do we remember to give that loving embrace?Or do we cast criticisms, emotions and tears to their face,We should never forget the one we truly love so dear,Giving them space to cope with their own inner fears,Time to be alone with their own thoughts to dwell,Some solitude in peace from the turmoils of our hell,Yes the problem is complexity from both points of view,As we want eternal loving affection, but then so do you.This is surely an equation that even Einstein couldn't solve,It's just one more conundrum in an illness that has no resolve,Now one thing I realise as the days slowly languish byAs I can see from the anguish within your own loving eyes,This illness is not only affecting the life of just me,But tearing out the heart and soul of the one most dearest to me.
The Fight Never Ends, by Norrms:
Is it too soon to be talking of this?Secretly remembering our first kiss,Of how you will manage when I'm gone,When my fight is finished, over and done,I ask you this with tears in my eyes,Trying to stifle a million cries,Don't be so silly, you'll outlast me!Is always your answer, but please will you see,I neeed to make sure that life will be kind,And then you can rest and have peae of mind,I need to say this before the AD,Removes all my memories and steals them from me,I didn't mean to make you cry,Just want to be sure that you will get by,You take hold of my hand and say, Listen to me,You're going nowhere, why can't you see,We are in this together, no matter how long,Nobody's singing their last song,You have provided for us, all of your life,And I'm proud to say that I am your wife,We have wonderful kids, and grandchildren too,All of them grateful for the kindness from you.Then I say, Shh, please just let me say,That when my time comes, no matter what day,You shall remember, that very first kiss,And how all our life has been absolute bliss,And do me one favour, is my question to you,When you look up, at a sky that's so blue,Always remember, I will always love you,And please say goodby to all of my friends,Especially on TP, The Fight Never Ends.
You can read previous poetry contributions by clicking on the links below. The most recent contributions are at the end of the list.
Information on Poetry
The times that were not!
I once eloped with a petticoat
'Blog, blah, blah, blah'
Look at life
My shadow
Memories
Two poems
Don't treat me like a mattress
Simple as ABC
Has Life Passed By?
My Sister
Of Endless Days
Tree of Life
Reality or Dream
Perspective
There is no turning back
Now I have gone
Laughing at dementia and why not
A passing year
A poem by Frank - let the words flow
Distant Memories
My Mum and Dad's day with Alzheimer's
Never a Typical Day
Memories Lament
Going Too Fast?
Field of Dreams
Watching the World Go by
Ups and Downs
Bewildered
Gardening with Alzheimer's
It's OK to be scared
The Time Has Come
The Fight Never Ends
Of Two Perspectives
Say to yourself
You are never alone
Friends
Moments
My, my, another day
For one more day
Coping or not... with Alzheimer's
Of my eyes
Who can help?
He Gave In But He Never Gave Out
Of my Dementia
Spirit of Life
Of Courage
Do You Remember?
Reflections of Timeless Love within Dementia
Misty Horizons
Out of the Shadows
Nan
Al Zimer
Of the night
Hello Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Train
That's Asda Price
Distorted Day
Love's Lone Rose
Explaining to Mum
Gone Wandering
Alzheimer's Mountain
If My Eyes Could Talk
In Remembrance
I've Got Through Another Day
Betwixt Two Worlds
Just Once More
Left Alone