The Decline of Recollection

Neville

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 ..

 

Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments12

  • Goldfinch60

    Very moving words Neville, I have seen this happen.

    Andy

    • Neville



      I know Andy .. and I thank you for visiting today my fine feathered friend ................. Neville

    • orchidee

      A poignant write N.
      So for some it's the good old days, and not good days now.

      • Neville



        You got it in one Mr. O ............................. and ta for taking time to take part .. Neville 🙂

        • orchidee

          You mean I guessed the theme of one of your ...... enigmatic, puzzling, riddle-like poems?! Swoon! lol.

        • Rozina

          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.

          • Neville



            Yes absolutely .. it makes me shudder .......................................... Neville

          • Doggerel Dave

            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.......?

            • Neville



              I have often thought about that very subject DD but I fear there are far too many if's & buts ..

              • Doggerel Dave

                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.

                • Neville



                  I have known far too many individuals who through either love or greed have gone down the route you refer to ...................................... and who upon the obviously necessary but often long and protracted investigations regarding why's and wherefores etc, in effect the motive .. have been variously vilified and or served time ....................................................... in short, the risk of abusing any such legislation if passed is perceived as considerable ........................ let me know how it pans pout ........ Neville

                  • Doggerel Dave

                    Will do Neville.
                    In the meantime, I just don't know of a piece of legislation anytime or anywhere which hasn't been abused by some individuals at some time for some nefarious purpose. Legislation can be tightened, adjusted as required if so slack.
                    "The greatest good for the greatest number".

                    • Neville



                      I concur, at least for the most part, I do me lud ..

                      • Doggerel Dave

                        😊 You wanna get outa this??

                        I will return......😊

                      • Paul Bell

                        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.

                        • Neville



                          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

                        • Fay Slimm.

                          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

                          • Neville



                            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

                          • Christina8

                            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!

                            • Neville



                              Thank you for visiting Christina8 and for sharing those insights here .............................. Neville

                            • Accidental Poet

                              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. 🤔

                              • Neville



                                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

                                • Accidental Poet

                                  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. 😉

                                  • Neville



                                    I am so sorry to hear about the concerns you have for your sister my friend ........................ N

                                    • Accidental Poet

                                      Thanks N.

                                    • myself and me

                                      Sad, scary, hopeless, but so damn real. Enjoy now while we still can.

                                      • Neville



                                        I think that pretty much sums up my own feelings & thoughts on the matter .. thank you m&m .. N

                                      • Doggerel Dave

                                        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.

                                      • Rocky Lagou

                                        A truly unique and vivid spectacle of a poem! You wrote it greatly Neville! 💖

                                        • Neville


                                          Thank you Rocky .. very much appreciated my friend ....................... Neville

                                        • Annemarie

                                          ❤️🙏

                                          • Neville



                                            ............................................ thank you & so very kindly aburmeister ..❤️



                                          To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.