Raindrops on Cherries

WL Schuett

the woman who no longer 

had a dog 

sat inconspicuously on the stairs 

of her own home 

waiting for something that 

happened a long time ago 

whispering and moving 

not knowing she was alone 

 

somewhere down the street 

a lonesome dog did bark 

and cut through the trees 

a sorrowful wind did wail 

wondering 

can a life be full 

without sorrows 

a long life so rich and loving 

is now a heartbreaking tale 

 

she is the goddess of twilight 

the dusk is in sight 

and it will not be late 

feelings of impossible love and 

wishing my hands were strong 

enough to change her fate 

 

how are you she asks

though she doesn't know your name 

you tell her all about your life 

and what's most important to you 

how are you she asks , again

                          and again 

 

she'll tell you all about her day 

going to church lighting 

candles saying a prayer 

shopping with her Mom 

getting ready to make dinner 

not knowing she has never once 

left her wheelchair 

 

I look at her and 

without a doubt I see 

the courage she still carries 

in a conspiracy of silence 

in the raindrops that 

now drip from the cherries 

 

her eyes they are as

keen as they ever were 

is your Mother still 

alive she asks 

I smile and say yes 

and that I love her 

 

 

 

  • Author: WL (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: September 19th, 2017 07:13
  • Comment from author about the poem: A painting and a poem for my Mother who is nearing the end of a long battle with Alzheimer's
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 55
  • Users favorite of this poem: MaddieJ
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Comments +

Comments9

  • Goldfinch60

    It can be so hard but you have shared her very well with us all on here. I do hope that peace abounds in both you and your mother.

    Stunning artwork.

    • WL Schuett

      Thank you , this was one of my Mothers favorite paintings so I incorporated it into the poem for her . The end is near for her , while it is hard I have made peace with it

    • Christina8

      So beautifully written I got the chills and I almost cried. My mother is gone. You are so courageous in this fight! Like Goldfinch I hope that you and your mother find peace.

      • WL Schuett

        Thank Christina this poem kind of covers the last few years from when she was home till now in hospice , sorry you lost your Mom , natural part of life I know but still

      • malubotelho

        Beautiful poem. A tribute to your dear mother. Wishing you strength to deal with this illness. My mother died at age 85 and her head was perfect but she had really bad osteoporosis.

        • WL Schuett

          Thank you Malu, sorry about your Mom . My Mom is 92 she's had a good life even the last few years have been rich in a way , but her time is near ....

        • myself and me

          I am deeply moved by your writing and my eyes were wet.

          • WL Schuett

            Thanks M&M there couldn't be a better comment

          • Michael Edwards

            Very moving Bill - so well expressed.

            • WL Schuett

              Thanks Michael my Moms an easy person to write about

            • FredPeyer

              WL, this is one of the most beautifully written poems I ever read about a loved one with Alzheimers.
              My mom had a big stroke and dementia before she passed away. And this poem reminded me so much of these last years. There was sadness and sorrow, but there was also joy and happiness during the few lucid moments she had. Thank you!

              • WL Schuett

                Yes Fred you understand perfectly, when you live with this you know . Thanks for the supportive comment

                • FredPeyer

                  You know, one day my mom told me that she got married again, but couldn't remember to whom! We both had a big laugh. Never forget that moment, it was magic.

                • Accidental Poet

                  Very heartfelt WL. My adoptive mother passed from Alzheimer's disease and she too would ask the same questions every 5 minutes. It's not an easy thing to watch your parent slowly lose touch with reality. Have you seen the movie "Still Alice" with Julianne Moore? In it she is younger and it's hard to watch. But I had to watch it. My mother was 80, so many of the things she couldn't remember didn't matter much to her. I realized how fortunate she was to not get the disease until later in life. I wish you and your mom peace and love in her remaining time here with you.

                • WL Schuett

                  Thanks for sharing that AP I have not seen that movie but now I will watch for it ...and thanks for the supportive words , very nice

                • MaddieJ

                  This was very touching! Thanks for sharing this poem with us! Always happy to read one of your poems friend!



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