Poem About Dementia –

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I want to again thank Cheryl Kempner for sharing her beautiful poetry with our community here at Alzheimer’s Speaks.

Her Birthday

Copyright Cheryl Kempner 2018

Like a new born that does not know,

Or a toddler that does not grow.

Her birthday came,

Her birthday went,

But she did not know what wishes were sent.

The mind is fierce and out of sight,

It does not know or care of the heart’s plight.

That we may need to keep moving on,

Or maybe it knows that we must stay calm. 

For we would go mad if we really did know,

That our mind was shrinking and we could not grow.

To new levels of our early existence, 

Or is it aware of our soul’s forever persistence.

Do the flowers, the wishes, the visits or chocolate cake,

Mean anything inside or is it all just fake.

The talking, the laughs, the pictures and more,

Does it tell a story or is it just knocking on a closed door.

To make up for lost time in these last few years,

Few years that to some mean many more tears.

But to other it’s a time to make memories to last,

Moments to take, moments to grasp

The veil has been lifted,

The wall is no more.

The relationship is freed, 

The tension is old lore.

Could there be a message, in disguise,

Or is it just the unraveling of all the lies.

The mind is a vicious thing,

It can take away a human being.

But can it really, as we can feel,

We know what’s what, but how do we deal.

With such thoughts that her birthday came and went,

But does she know what wishes were sent?

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A Poem Shares a Heartfelt Look at a Visit with Her Mother

 A Visit

By Cheryl Kempner

 

It’s just the beginning…

Three years in….

She knows my name.

She opens the door but does not lock it behind her.

She tries to find a place for the new picture I gave her.

She said she’d move things later.

I said let’s do it now.

It’s perfect she says.

She asks if we want a drink.

We say later.

We try to chat.. there’s little conversation.

She asks if we want a drink.

We say later.

She asks if we want a drink.

We say yes.

She tries to find the glasses.

She opens the cabinets.

One after another.

She finds the right one.

She gives me a glass.

She gets me water.

Her gait is off.

She walks slowly.

She’s young… only 75.

We sit at the table.

What’s new I ask.

Nothing she says.

Where’s your coloring.

I don’t know. I cleaned up.

The family room is spotless.

I like things organized she says.

Are you playing cards? Painting?

Playing tomorrow..good I say.

I don’t know if it’s true…

Do you want to see the pictures from our cruise I say.

Yes she says.

Let’s slide through the pictures on my phone.. are you bored yet?

No they are wonderful.

Did you have a good time.

Great I said.

How are you feeling.

She says I’m good.

You lost a lot of weight I said.

Yes she says.

What do u eat?

Eggs with… with…

I said tomatoes, cheese, spinach…

Give me a minute..

I say lox? I found it hidden in the side of the refrigerator.

She says yes, Nova.

She offers more snacks.

She takes chocolate.

Are you allowed to have it?

She says I can do what I want.

We sit again.

We look at more pictures .

Do you remember when we went to Venice?

She smiles.

Did you buy anything she asks.

Not much I said.

Some souvenirs.. I had an amazing time though.

She just holds her head in her hands and looks at my pictures. I know it’s enough.

She tells me they just came back from a trip… there was no trip.

She tells me dad left at 3:00 for cards.

I spoke with him at 530.

They were having dinner.

I know it’s enough.

She wants to change and watch tv.

I say maybe we will do this again next Thursday.

She says sure if she has no plans.

I say ok, lock the door.

We kiss goodbye.

Thank you for coming.

Lock the door.

Click

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Many attendees commented that she was one of the best speakers they had heard.” 

Pat Sylvia, Director of Education & Member Development LeadingAge Washington

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