Comment from lightink

Exceptional

Hi Dear,

I'm back - at lest for a few reviews. It's been a while - and you are definitely one of those who I missed.

First of all, I am so sorry for you and your mom having to suffer through this!
I wish I could say or do anything to take away the edge of this. I hope you have enough room left for yourself and that you feel loved and supported by people around you.

As for the poem, It's well crafted (as usual) - it makes the dreadful atmoshere tangible and your care shines through it without it you explicitly talking about it.
Six stars!

Love,
J

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Hi Jyoti,
I've actually been gone awhile myself. I hope you are well, and still writing - your poetry was always so sublime. Thanks so much for the review and kind words, it's great to see you here again.

love,
Carol

Comment from donette1914

Excellent

wow my heart truly goes out to you!!! this touch my heart with your words and the artwork was amazing.

outstanding!!!

Donette1914 Comment Written 15-Mar-2018 by Donette1914

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Thank you, I appreciate your review and kind words,
Carol

Comment from N. Rabwar

Excellent

I only have one six star left and I don't want to use it up in the middle of the week, but wow, this poem is intense. Such powerful imagery really sweeps the reader up and transports them to unwelcome places. When I read the title, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this poem; but I am glad I did.

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Ha ha, the title doesn't make it sound very inviting. I couldn't decide what else to call it at the moment - thank you for reading and the kind review,

Carol

Comment from Dorothy Farrell

Excellent

Hi Carol, a sad story, well told. Very sad to see a loved one no longer in the state you would have them in. You have talked about your mother before. The trouble is the situation does not improve - no cure, it really is awful. You use metaphor to strong effect in 'strange, cloistered odors in thick assault. I swam to reach her.' Nice to see you back Carol. Good Luck - Dorothy x

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Hi Dorothy,
no it doesn't improve, it just gets worse and worse, at an agonizingly slow pace. I decided writing might help, I need to get back at it again.

Thanks,
Carol

Comment from ameen786

Excellent

This is so sad to experience a loved one going through the trauma, specially, a mother; you reflect the melancholy that's quite touching; God bless you both.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Thanks so much for your kind words and review,

Carol

Comment from Sharon Haiste

Excellent

This well written verse tells a sad story. It's hard to loose someone we love, no easier to loose them while they live.
Well told and well said.
Thank you for sharing this sad verse with us.
Sharon

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Yes, she is lost to us now - mostly. It's strange how different she's become but with a few of her old traits left.

Thanks for reading,
Carol

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

It was so good to see your name pop up on my screen--I only wish the theme could have been happier. The eerie picture and your description reinforced the mood for your free verse. I wish you both well in battling this disease. Warm regards- Joan

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Hi Joan,
I have been lazy and busy and not writing much. But the poem came to me while I was driving home from work, after a tough visit, so I wrote it down. Good therapy! I hope you are well, any new trips coming up?

hugs,
Carol

reply by Joan E. on 17-Mar-2018

I am glad to hear that writing is therapeutic for you. I have peripheral neuropathy, which for some unknown reason has gotten worse. We are focusing on more cruises and have one coming up in May to the coast of Italy and Greece. Thanks for thinking about me and take good care of yourself- Joan

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Hello, stranger, good to see you and read another of your fine poems. Another poem that far too many can relate, having to helplessly watch a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. Not all of these victims have a good and faithful daughter to hang in there with them, and I'm sure at times it's almost unbearable. We buried a loved one yesterday, she had only known me a few times over the last ten years. But she loved me to read to her and rub her back. Occasionally she would smile and pat my leg, and it would go along way in helping me forget all the times she cured and called me names towards the end.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 13-Mar-2018

Oh dear, it's hard when they turn mean with this disease. My mom so far has remained sweet, although sometimes stubborn. But she's always been stubborn. Thanks for reading and I'm sorry you can relate - there are far too many cases out there.

Carol

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Carol, I'm so glad to see you back. This is a beautiful free verse poem, but I'm so sorry that your mum is in the clutches of Alzheimer. The lines:
Though screaming inside,
I took her hand.
It says it all. All the best. Ulla

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 13-Mar-2018

Thank you Ulla, I look forward to seeing what you've been up to :)

Carol

reply by Ulla on 14-Mar-2018

Oh, Carol, I've been up to a lot. I got divorced just yesterday, and I'm moving into my new home on Friday. On the writing side of things I'm on my tenth chapter into a biography covering part of my life. I've written a few short poems as well. All best. Ulla:)))

reply by the author on 17-Mar-2018

Wow, these are big changes! I'm sorry to hear about the divorce, which is so hard no matter what the circumstances are. Will you stay in Spain? Big hugs,
Carol

reply by Ulla on 17-Mar-2018

Thanks a lot Carol. To be honest I'm very happy to move on with my life. Yes, I'm staying in Spain for good. In fact, I've bought a house in the same valley where I've lived so many years. I've got so many close friends here. I just moved in yesterday, and I'm content. xx

Comment from Joy Graham

Excellent

Hello,

It's nice to see a post from you in my mailbox today. Haven't heard from you in a while. This poem is so sad. I'm sorry you are dealing with Alzheimers. Your poor mom. I visit my uncle in hospital every weekend and see the seniors there in varying stages of illness and dementia. My uncle has had a stroke and can't walk. We try to bring our happy faces as we leave the elevator and make our way down the hall to my uncle's room. Some of them get visitors and some don't. I'll be going home to stay with my mom in April. She's ninety and having a bunch of procedures. I worry about her and will stay with her for one of her recoveries. So I can relate to your poem as I have a few senior relatives needing care right now.

Joy xx

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2018

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reply by the author on 13-Mar-2018

It's a tough stage of life, I wish I saw more visitors for the other residents of the home where my mom lives. I try to bring my happy face too, it's good for her. Glad you are taking care of your older relatives!

Carol