And in the end, will you remember?

Question

Remembering Anything

a cell awaits, endless hold, no escape

locks upon locks, no keys to free

a walking death, waiting…waiting there

most saw it coming, fought the end

behind routines, countless smiles

pretending… to stay another day

But it kept coming…

unable now to comprehend

they smile and nod, smile some more

charades they play, delaying day

while some react quite violently

others forget the fire’s on

the confusion…just breeds confusion

decisions are made, papers are signed

a human life, committed now

and tears are shed from angels high

Answer 1

neonman, I hope this isn't going to be my future. It sounds like the onset of dementia, or Alzheimer's syndrome.  But, if this is to be my lot....yes, I will try to keep it at bay as long as possible.

Very good, though depressing, depiction of the shutting down of the brain, over time, and the confusion and personality change it brings.

I sometimes wonder if it would have been better if God (you know, the one I don't believe exists) could have arranged if for life to peak....and then for us to die without the deterioration first...but, then we certainly wouldn't want to go!  So, perhaps the deterioration is needed for us to be glad when the time comes.

Answer 2

Beautifully written, from the heart of a soul that has suffered through what we all dread to face in the end and hope and pray we will be spared such agony.  

It is a walking death; the eyes have no life.  It is h**l on earth for those that deal with this, the victim unaware of their loss of living, only to live in their shell.

Thank you for sharing, you are very gifted in your prose.

Answer 3

It is sad and makes you want to read on.   Good.

Answer 4

A  rather well drawn portrait of ignorance and indifference you paint

( I hope I am correct )

Do comment on mine

if you have the time

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 5

"Hi!",

I had to read it 3 times to try and take it in.

But yeah, unfortunately death is inedible and will come at some point where you will come face to face with your maker. I wish we could live forever. Howmuch we could learn.

Well written, Nice Poem.

WELL DONE!

Cheers : )

Answer 6

From the bottom of my heart, Neon, I thank you...this is perhaps the most eloquent piece on Alzheimers and dementia I've ever read.  Sensitive and well written, as always!

Answer 7

Too bad that those that deal  with such situations aren't like the ones in the "The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks." ...if you haven't read the book, I'm sure you may have seen the movie...  in difficult times we should strive to be more... give more, to those that struggle to hang on to themselves,

Your poem was sad... but excellent in it's description of what all to often is the norm.

Answer 8

This is a very melancholy poem. I do like it though. There were some things I almost wanted you to do here (not flaws, probably just my thoughts so take them as that, they may not make the poem any stronger and they aren't any better than what you have here). Here goes:

L2: I almost wanted you to keep going with the locks idea. Like:

locks upon locks upon locks

or maybe

locks upon locks upon locks locked.

L9: It might read better changing they to The

I know, I know...probably just minor picky preferences. It is a good poem as it is...just thinking out loud today.

Answer 9

You just opened my eyes to something new.

I didn't know this is how people with dementia end up.

It`s very sad, and tragic.

The poem is very touching, and an excellent piece of work.

Answer 10

Very beautiful, but how very sad at the same time.

Answer 11

Wanted : Private sitter for my ailing father   $10.00 hour

Wanted : Maid to clean my father's house   $25.00 hour

What's wrong with this picture. You paint well sir.

Answer 12

The first reading reminded me of inmates on death row. And maybe we are all inmates of a sort; there's certainly no escaping. Only the good die young--that's to say, they got released early on good behavior. I'm hoping to get out on parole, which would mean I'd have to serve the rest of my sentence in purgatory, I guess.

You have created another one for the chapbook that hits close to home. Most of my relatives who've lived over 75 went through this.  

Well done Sir.

Answer 13

One does wonder.  Having witnessed my mother go through this...and many of her friends...I'm stating...I won't go quietly.

Hopefully, a cure of sorts will be discovered.  In the meanwhile, keep sharp and learning...and writing!  Good work!