Momma

Linda Rhinehart Neas wrote this poem for her mother who sadly suffered from Alzheimers she gave this to her mother a year before she died. Linda is a writer and teacher .

Momma…

Mary Cassatt 1897

Before you disappear

into the rabbit hole of age,

Remember…

Green, cat-eyes twinkling,

as secrets of womanhood rise,

steamy,

in the wisdom of conversations

shared over tea

in the sacred realm of kitchen.

Before the Night of New Life

comes to rob us of the light of your smile,

Remember…

Toil worn hands guiding

small, eager fingers in the craft

of pen and paper,

slowly forming the spell of words

that would release the magic

lying in wait among the book shelves.

Before Time’s thief steals away

the last, familial connection you greedily grasp,

Remember…

New life, wrapped in heirloom splendor

cradled in your arms

as generations of yourself

surround with mews and coos,

the miracle that proves our existence

to all who fail to…

Remember.

© 2007 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas

Read more about  Linda and her  writing at : Words From The Heart

Contemplation on Loss of Self

This Poem was written by Marian Veverka Inspired by a friend who has Alzheimers 

Contemplation On Loss Of Self

By Marian Vervaka

They say the sense of numbers is the first to leave.
Arithmetic and I were never on good terms.
All through grade school, I counted on my fingers.
Now, each entry in my check book is rounded off in zeros.
My children gave me a calculator, but I keep forgetting
About the batteries.

A little joke – it’s a relief to know my sense
Of humor is still here. But will I realize it
When the laughter slips away?

How many other powers disappear
When our backs are turned?
When we are busy living, dreaming, thinking
Of something else – how do we know
What has gone away, never to return?

Why do I startle awake from dreams
In which I am still a child?
What room is this? What house?
What strangers walk beside me?

They tell me my name is Lilian–
Touch me
Am I here?