The Decline of Recollection
Such precious keepsake days
as these
were once kept like souvenirs
it seems ..
His having saved each one for
many years ..
Just as he saved and savoured
all those
smiles and joyous tears that they
once shared ..
Until almost overnight it seemed
that age old
bastard struck and robbed him
of his dignity ..
And try then as, indeed he might,
without speech
and with only partial sight, his near
empty pen
lay there discarded, by his side
till morning ..
Whilst he shook and dribbled
on his beard ..
In some foul corner of a back ward
locked until
the morning, when the day staff
will eventually
take over, and it all begins again ..
-
Author:
Neville (
Offline) - Published: March 13th, 2022 02:11
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 65
- Users favorite of this poem: Paul Bell, Accidental Poet.
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Comments12
Very moving words Neville, I have seen this happen.
Andy
I know Andy .. and I thank you for visiting today my fine feathered friend ................. Neville
A poignant write N.
So for some it's the good old days, and not good days now.
You got it in one Mr. O ............................. and ta for taking time to take part .. Neville 🙂
You mean I guessed the theme of one of your ...... enigmatic, puzzling, riddle-like poems?! Swoon! lol.
Unfortunately the social support system here is still inadequate. If there is no extended family, such patients will be abandoned in a busy medical ward usually. And short staffed wards have no personnel to care for the elderly, abandoned stroke patients, etc. A really sad state of affairs.
Yes absolutely .. it makes me shudder .......................................... Neville
Surely you don't want to start a debate on voluntary euthanasia here, Neville...I'm for, very much so, but ready for another battle.......?
I have often thought about that very subject DD but I fear there are far too many if's & buts ..
You couldn't be persuaded to express them, could you either here or privately? Groups are trying to get a bill through the Senate (upper house) in NSW right now.
4 more comments
Think you summed it up perfectly.
The old are a burden in modern day life, and the system keep them alive through something called humanity, though if you did this to a dog you would be prosecuted.
Thank you Paul .. I appreciate your comment .. I have encountered different attitudes & values regarding those with cognitive decline in the East & in Africa .................................... but fear that in time and with an anticipated cultural shift in terms of values .. even those more accepting will regard such victims and sufferers less positively .............................. Neville
Tragic that saddest of all declines and so clearly penned by a writer who undoubtedly knows from first hand through tending unfortunate victims- -- - a most moving read Nev..............x
In the main, I have the utmost respect for most of those who work with Dementia in its many forms .. My personal experience with the exception of when I was a student stems from caring for both my mother & father in law before their passing & a dear friend Dave who developed Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in his mid thirties ....................... I so very much appreciate your visit and understanding today my lady Fay ................................... Neville x
I've worked with dementia patients a lot and this poems moves me....It's sad when loved ones aren't around or who won't take care of the demented. Poignant but fine write!
Thank you for visiting Christina8 and for sharing those insights here .............................. Neville
Great write N. Both my adoptive parents passed with Alzheimer's/Dementia. As hard as it is for the children, it's worse for the parents. Now I think my sister is falling victim to this disease, and I can't help but wonder if it's got me in its sights too. 🤔
Life can be such a cruel & heartless bitch sometimes & some folk seem to cop for far more than their fair share of pain & suffering ............................................... I am so sorry to hear this AP .. and pray that you are wrong my friend ........................................ Neville
Thanks N, Just turned 65 in December and so far so good. But not happy with what's happening with my sister. She has anxieties too. But Life goes on no matter what. Thanks again N. May your days be bright and nights be warm. 😉
2 more comments
Sad, scary, hopeless, but so damn real. Enjoy now while we still can.
I think that pretty much sums up my own feelings & thoughts on the matter .. thank you m&m .. N
I did not read your piece as necessarily relating to dementia , Neville, but rather as infirmity relating to a possible stroke or just general physical decline.. That diagnosis seems to have been taken on my respondents further up the thread.
A truly unique and vivid spectacle of a poem! You wrote it greatly Neville! 💖
Thank you Rocky .. very much appreciated my friend ....................... Neville
❤️🙏
............................................ thank you & so very kindly aburmeister ..❤️
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