Though you can’t remember
Without cues from the past
Though you can’t recall
Your dreams and plans for life
Though you live in your own world
Within a shrinking border
I’m still here to guide you through, I’m still here
For loved ones still remember
All the magic that you cast
As you shared great strength and wisdom
With everyone you touched
Though you live in your own world
Within a shrinking border
I’m still here to guide you through, I’m still here
The key to life is memories
Of long ago, real and imagined
A smile on your face the light in your eyes
Remind me it’s not time for our goodbyes
Though you live in your own world
Within a shrinking border
I‘m still here to guide you through, I’m still here
I wrote this in 2005 as my mother battled Alzheimer's disease ~ she passed away in May, 2007
hugs helen...i am glad you are there for her in this time...sad...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo touching! Yes, that repetition guides us along, helps us get into the rhythm.
ReplyDeleteThe repetition brings my tears. The one who cast magic now in a world with shrinking borders. I'm glad you are still there for her, and I'm glad you wrote the poem.
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteSo touching, Helen.
ReplyDeleteHelen, this is so sad! And sadly something that many must endure or will endure..... Very well written.
ReplyDeleteAlzheimer's disease is such a devastating illness not just for the person affected by it but for their family and friends. To lose someone you love this way must be so hard.
ReplyDeleteYour prose is touching, and heart-felt. The love you had for your mother is so apparent in this.
Life within a shrinking border... great depiction of a horrible disease.
ReplyDeletehttp://lkharris-kolp.blogspot.com/2012/03/to-live-again.html
Lovely anaphora and the photo is magnificent, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, my. Really heartfelt, Helen. Brought a little tear if I'm honest.
ReplyDeleteThis is so poignant and lovely. The repetition works well, especially given the subject matter. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh Helen....this is so beautiful, and it is a lovely tribute to your love for your Mother.
ReplyDeleteVery moving Helen, so much love and fortitude in the 'I'm still here.'
ReplyDeletethere's a wonderful reassurance you write with, like being taken under a beautiful bird's wing.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute - still being there couldn't have been easy for you, but love takes you to places you'd never expect.
ReplyDeleteIt's a disease that wears off everyone - the one afflicted and more so those around them. Horrible for the impatient and uninformed. Great write Helen!
ReplyDeleteHank