How Fleeting is My Soul
O, perfidy! that, fugitive, elopes
With all that filled my soul with meanings rare,
And character, and hung up in the air
What history I knew, and all my hopes,
My senses, and my sense, unleashed them all;
Left me unmoored, untethered, in the wind,
Subject to every buffeting, unpinned;
And burning like an effigy, to fall
In ashen flakes and caught in drafts, to drift
Apart from faithless memory, and pine
For everything I thought was Me and Mine,
Now tantalizing from across a rift.
What once defined and marked me as my own
Has fled, and Self has left me quite alone.
Here’s hoping that there are cures, or at least tremendous strides in treatments for, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia in the near future. And even before then, greatly improved support for those who suffer from these sorrows, whether as patients or as patients’ caregivers.
Art-Colored Glasses 
Oh yes, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are indeed a terrible thing for all involved. Over the past 7 years since I have been overseeing the care of my now 94 year old Mother, I have seen many people who have disappeared within themselves. Some of them are in the fifties and sixties! This is terrible for the individual concerned and absolutely awful for the loved ones who experience such great loss. My own Mother’s issues have been physical, however, now her mind is disappearing, but in a rather child look way, which is actually quite endearing at this stage. Excellent post and illustration…..Enjoy your weekend…Janet. xxx
I’m so glad for you that your mother isn’t especially angry or combative, as some dementia patients can be so difficult. She is blessed to have such loving care and companionship, I have no doubt. I pity the most of all those who are keenly aware of their own loss and slippage and feel every second of it as an agony. May we never find out how it feels!
The weekend was grand (see today’s post!), and I hope you’re still enjoying the benefits of another lovely time in Portugal!!
Much love,
Kathryn
It’s been quite a journey with my mother,
Sorry cut myself off in last comment. What I meant to say is that one of the many things that I have learned is all old people need advocates. I have seen many who have no family interaction whatsoever. The key, as always is to live every moment to the full xxx
Yes, yes, yes. Truth is, we ALL need advocates at times, but most of all those who cannot advocate for themselves. You are a great gift to your mother!
xoxo
Insightful poem and vibrant painting
Thank you kindly, my friend.
“Left me unmoored, untethered, in the wind,
Subject to every buffeting,”
Great lines. This is how both the individual affected and the caregivers can feel. Tragic disease.
Love the overlaid lines of the painting
Yes, caregivers often bear the *true* brunt of brutal diseases like this. I hope that there is some time in the not-too-distant future when we will be able to offer succor and aid to both parties in many, many more cases. I’m glad the post spoke to you.
xoxo
I agree with Philosopher Mouse, on all points. Wonderful painting and the last two lines are poignant.
Thank you so much, Talia. I appreciate your support more than I can say.