Music: "Das Lied von der Erde (The song of the Earth)" by Mahler


Wandering Back to the Earth

All she wanted was a day at the beach

with all my emotions boxed and hidden away I look at her
my little mother
unkempt hair
skin covered in the same holes I've hidden all my life
her fingers searching, seeking in the same way mine do
her nails long and uncared for
her eyes docile and sad
snapping back to my face as she tries to recall what we are talking about

Her grand-daughter mentioned the beach yesterday and
we didn't plan to do anything today except
find the vital identity papers she has hidden away from us
in her paranoia

This is my one weekend with her this year
living across oceans from her

And I couldn't give her one day at the beach
with the ocean and views she used to love

It took me weeks of sorting her boxes and my own emotional boxes
long after I was back on my side of the ocean
to realize

All she wanted was a day at the beach



Poetry by SecretWords The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 81 times
Written on 2024-08-13 at 01:17

Tags Alzheimer  Mother  Grief 

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Alan J Ripley The PoetBay support member heart!
There are many of us outside of life,
That understand how you must feel.
It's sad to think that even though she wanted
a day at the beach. She wouldn't have remembered it,
I would love to say for me ,This is a memorable poem.
But with mixed dementia I can't remember the poem's
That I've written. My heart goes out to you.
Regards Alan
2024-09-17


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
You have a real talent to write poetry that is both brief and emotive. Thank you for sharing. Though the story is sad it was a pleasure to read. Blessings, Allen

Language: 4
Format: 4
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Overall: 4
2024-08-17