Comments : Where are you now?

  • 7 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    Peter,

    As sad as this write is, it displays a real knowledge of fluent rhyming in poetry and a real sensitivity for the subject matter that was a pleasure to read.
    With the longer lines that you have created, there really is a melancholy melody to the poem that adds a huge amount of emotion throughout.

    Good to have you back; the site - as you know - needs more rhyming poets!

    All the very best as ever,

    Ben

    • 7 years ago

      by PETER EDWARDS

      Thank you Ben for your kind comments. Praise coming from you is worthy praise indeed. Thankyou.
      And YES, as you know, I am all for rhyming poets! lol!

  • 7 years ago

    by Em

    Peter, this a sad write that brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of my dear Nan before she passed as she was showing early signs of dementia and on good days she knew who I was and on the bad days she hadn't a clue. It was heart breaking and even more so that this happens to many of us.
    Take care,
    Em

    • 7 years ago

      by PETER EDWARDS

      Thank you Em for your kind comments. Dementia is a really terrible disease and like your Nan, my Mum and Dad succumbed to it and I saw first hand the terrible effects it had on them over several years, before I had to place them both in a Care Home. The poem was a testament to their huge Love for each other, which as their son who cared for them, increasingly in the latter stages of their lives, was privelleged to witness. They truly loved each other right to the very end as this monstrous disease took hold of them both.

  • 7 years ago

    by Mr. Darcy

    Peter, it is so nice to see your words and face grace these cold quiet walls. Its like hanging a Gustav Klimt painting on a cellar wall - you light it up!

    This poem however is sad. I work in sheltered housing and see this decline of a person's character over the days, weeks and months. I can think of a good handful of tenants whose lives have been stripped away, leaving a shell of who they used to be. Many people do not realise that this awful disease caused dementia, depression, hallucinations and much more. It is frustrating for all concerned, as well as upsetting slowly watching your loved one disappear and be replaced with an imposter. Its cruel and I often think it would be kinder to die of cancer; at least with cancer the mind, i.e. the person you love remains whilst their body takes them; with dementia, the mind becomes corrupted and before they fade away, the person you love becomes alien and (sometimes) unlikeable.

    Peter, I am so sorry for your loss - I can totally relate to how you would comfort yourself with hoping you will be both free of this and be together, happy once more.

    • 7 years ago

      by PETER EDWARDS

      Surely you mean a Rembrandt Mike?! Just joking !! lol
      Yes, I remembered that you worked in Sheltered housing, and must see many poor such souls suffering this awful affliction...It truly is a terrible disease, and what you say rings true as I witnessed with my parents, and seeing the other 'inmates' around them when I visited their Care Home.
      The staff there (as also you), deserve a medal for the loving care that you afford these poor afflicted souls. Recently, my cousin, same age as me, has been diagnosed. He presently still lives at home with his caring wife, who is now under increasing daily stress trying to cope with a husband that does not know her anymore, and at times, is becoming violent. Not a good situation as it can only get worse.
      What causes Dementia, no one really knows, but I am convinced that our western diet, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive drinking, along with daily work stress and deadlines, are certainly factors that are contributing to this 'epidemic' that now befalls so many people, young and old.
      My parents died a while ago now, and in my poem, I've tried to reflect the great love that they had for each other despite the onset of this terrible disease. I'm pleased that you liked it.

  • 7 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Oh this breaks my heart....Just beautifully written Peter

  • 7 years ago

    by Karla

    beautiful and so powerful.

  • 7 years ago

    by Ingrid

    A beautiful poem, dearie. Let us hope it will never be passed onto you.
    xx Ingrid

  • 7 years ago

    by ddavidd

    This is a product of a swan like spirit and a tender soul. Reading your words I just see white feathers.