joy has left/Joy has left (Alzheimer's)
In loving memory of a patient I once knew, but now only see.
A River Damned. A lifetime of wisdom once erupted, without suspect like a fjord flowing freely as she chattered. A steady stream, slowly stemming over the years— time damned it to a trickle. Today, the tip of her tongue flutters lamely between chipped teeth. I sit and I watch where last year gushed a story; now the river's mouth is bone-dry, opening and closing as she screams her story silent. I realise that, memories which once coursed freely now frozen by time; forming snowflakes unique. Her lips, mouth and tongue no longer a safe haven, for tales to be spun, childhood stories recalled. Instead now an expanding, mass grave of memories almost spoken. snowflakes cruelly melting, in a furnace of forget. I sit and I watch as what she tries so hard to tell me perhaps a tale or a poem, maybe just about her day— I sit and I watch as it trickles down her cheek. a snowflake melted, a memory lost; leaking from a glassy-eyed, numb gaze. I sit and I watch as the last sparkle, leaves her eye. joy has left/Joy has left. -S-2025
(Name/s have been changed).
Want to support my work? I’d love for you to consider buying me a coffee or two by clicking here. Thanks as always to those who have in the past :)
This piece is my submission to the Worldwide ‘Dementia Together Magazine’, 2025 Poetry competition.
This is beautiful
Gorgeous.