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Apricot Cologne

Birds singing.
Phones ringing.
Patients whingeing.
Doors swinging.

The smell of Apricot Cologne
makes reality seem lighter.
Their minds are just beyond those doors,
we're here to make it brighter.

Woman screaming.
Electric heating.
Futile eating.
Time is fleeting.

Mr. Bluhm, a former lawyer,
lobbied for black civil rights.
Now the staff can't put on his socks,
he fights and fights and fights.

Music playing.
Visitors waiting.
Wheelchairs grating.
Minds decaying.

I've met her before, it's Brenda my "friend",
the one who used to dance a lot.
Yet to her I am a complete stranger,
our relationship, she's obviously forgot.

Bones aching.
Hands shaking.
Old paintings.
Heart breaking.

Their minds were once like a set of legs,
running quicker and quicker and quicker.
And now, at the hands of this cruel disease,
they're weak and lost and bitter.

Depressed feeling.
Cracked ceiling.
Skin peeling.
Emotion reeling.

They're modern saints, the staff,
who feed and clothe and care.
Because even though they're not remembered,
they're always going to be there.

Heavy sigh.
It's dark outside.
Bus nearby.
I need to cry.

Author notes

MysteriousStrangerX

Alzheimers is a terrible disease. My Nana has alzheimers, and over the years, her condition has steadily declined to the extent that she no longer knows who I am. When I was working in an aged care facility, I spent some time working in the alzheimers ward. I met a woman there named Brenda. She had tears streaming down her face and told me that she wanted to die because she hated her disease and where she had ended up. I spent some time talking to her and she really lit up. The following day I went back there and like a window, she stared right through me. These experiences left me in NEED of somehow expressing the deep sadness that I had about alzheimers and it's effects, so I wrote this poem one night! What really inspired me to write this was working in the aged care facility...and that's what most of this poem is based on. When it gets down to the wire, I just find something about loving someone, and yet being a complete stranger at the same time, to be very jarring. That's what inspired me to write this.

So please, enjoy!

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 64 of 64

  • Shibboleth
    November 15
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    This is really quite good - I really love the emotion you expressed in this piece. Thanks so much for sharing a reality that so many of us can relate to. Though I've never known anyone with Alzheimers until recently, my Grandfather did have moments in his battle with cancer where he couldn't remember me or even my dad, his own son. That is such a jarring experience and one I will never forget.
    You did a great job of painting this picture.


  • Ani Grace
    November 15
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    Edit | Reply
    Saints are working every day in facilities like these, it takes an above average compassion to do this work, it isn't for just anyone. And it's not just a job it's a calling, my hat's off to all those who give of themselves and tackle of one of the harsher realities of life by caring for the aging. We'll all be there in some way or another at some point. They balance things out.
    Thank you, for the reminder.


  • sassykitty
    November 15
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    Edit | Reply
    This subject matter is one of those that always makes me so, so sad. You're very brave to tackle such an issue and in such a mature and appropriate fashion. Thanks for sharing and all the very best with your writing

  • AlwaysMe1145
    November 15
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    Edit | Reply

    wonderful!

    remenber my grandparents at the end and it tore me apart....really sad. Very good write. I knew what u were talking about after the 3rd line. Beautifulle expressed.

  • Witless544
    November 15
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    Edit | Reply
    What a marvelous piece of writing. The imagery created by your choice of words is very real and indeed, very painful. I won't say I enjoyed your poem, it is far too raw and realistic for that, but your words will certainly stay with me for a long time. As you say so eloquently, a heartbreaking, bitter and cruel disease. Thank you for sharing your poem


  • PaintedParisPassion
    August 22

    Edit | Reply
    This made me cry. I just lost my grandmother in January to alzheimers . It was hard and sadly I felt like she was a stranger when she died because she hadn't known me for over ten years. I was her first grandchild and I spent so much of my childhood with her, I miss her terribly. I wish I could write about this the way you gave, this was incredible. That's all I can say at the moment.

    ♥


  • jessifer1792
    July 10
    Edit | Reply
    thank you for entering this. favorite so far.

  • jessifer1792
    July 10

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    perfect.

    okay. well... stunning. for sure.. very passionate. I can't hardly think of what to say in response to reading it actually... I'm glad you were able to release those feelings you had. awesome job, this deserves to be recognized. finalist.


  • Mango Memories gold member
    July 1
    Edit | Reply
    awww. now ive read this before and commented on it and might i just say once again how i loved it!


  • Silences Voice
    June 29

    Edit | Reply

    Thank you for the entry

    Alzheimers in a close relative is always hard to deal with. I lost someone to this disease too. The poem is very emotional, I like it. Its strong in its own sense. Very good.


  • FlipperSwitch
    June 3

    Edit | Reply
    At first I was upset with your form- but at the end (even if not intended to do so) I connected it to alzheimers and I saw the creative aspect of the mis-rhyming and such.

    Thanks for entering.


  • Maili Knephthan gold member
    June 1

    Edit | Reply
    Alzheimer's is more then just a terrible disease it is a soul robbing gut wrenching disease. It robs the mind and soul of what was. I worked in a nursing home and watched those with it steadily decline. In the end of her life my grandmother ended up with dementia She was 94 but still she was taken from me by this. she quickly declined and her life ended but this gave me more insight into the diseases that tear the mind and soul apart. Thank you for the write it was full of emotion and very well written.


  • perfectsunset gold member
    May 17

    Edit | Reply
    Wow.. what a whirlwind of emotions
    penned here. This was a stunning
    write. Reminded me of my Nonno
    who had alzheimer's too.. such a
    horrible thing to watch them
    endure.

    Loved this.

    Best of luck & thanks for entering


  • Amandainlove
    May 6
    Edit | Reply
    Great work.


  • DramaQueen469 gold member
    May 5

    Edit | Reply

    Thanks for entering!

    Okay, from a technical point of view, in your shorter stanzas, having every line end with a full stop is distracting. However... in terms of the message of the poem, it works, so I'll let it slide.
    Your rhyme is very good, and you have a nice rhythm. The alternating between short and long stanzas works well.
    You have some amazing imagery in this piece, and a lot of strong emotion as well.

    Overall, this was a stunning write. Thankyou so much for entering, and I wish you the best of luck!

    Maria

  • Xxpoison.kissesxX silver member
    April 30

    Edit | Reply
    Awh this is beautifully written, the rhyme expressed it nicely. had a good flow

  • piccola silver member
    March 8

    Edit | Reply
    Sometimes I fear I have the beginnings of this rampaging disease. Forgetful to the max ... but I am on a lot of meds
    so that could be it too. Thanks for the entry


  • Walking Oxymoron gold member
    January 21

    Edit | Reply
    Mna... I thought I'd commented this already. I know I've seen it before...Does this make me one of those people I hate?
    Ones who look but don't comment?/

    Aiii! Anyway, I definitely Identify with the last stanza.
    When I found out that my Mum had cancer and she'd arranged for me to have my little sister when she dies. (Yes, she said it that bluntly!) I had nowhere to run...I was on the bus and for someone who never cries it was quite possibly one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.


  • Swan song gold member
    January 15
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    Very well done!!!! and thank you for sharing this was pretty darn good


  • Luciferschild
    January 10

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    a powerful and well written poem, i think that the rhyme sewems very natural and the flow is excellent, definitely a poem i will take a second look at

  • wonderingthoughts
    January 8

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    woot woot
    i love this one
    so good,
    my nan had the same thing, so i know what you mean. the last time i saw her, she couldnt talk, but she held my hand and drew a picture as best she could of two people, and she pointed to me and pointed to one of the people, and pointed to herself and to the other one,


  • leeshylou
    December 12, 2008

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    I'm not to sure what else to say except wow...
    This is sad because its so true...
    Excellent write glad I stumbled upon it


  • Paloszoo gold member
    December 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this is outstanding. Great unusual take on the prompt. So incredibly poignant. I love it! Thanks so much for entering my contest. I’m honored to have you show your work here. Good luck in the contest!

  • angeldreams
    December 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well...
    I don't seem to have words!
    Wonderful words..
    Awesome writing scheme..
    Amazing thoughts and what not!
    I am glad I came across this one.
    Thanks for sharing.


  • Natsu
    December 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Amazing. I read about this disease so much, and this really is a very good poem about it. Good piece. And good luck in the contest x]].


  • DinkyDiver gold member
    December 4, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wowee I think this is FAB!! if you read my page you will see that I know exactly where you are coming from!! You put so much truth into this but there is still soo much you coulod have added..the fact that I WANT more makes this really good!! You must keep up your writing, thankyou so much for your poem xx


  • FAH faithandhope
    December 3, 2008

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    Emotional

    Having had a relative have this terrible disease, I could relate to your poem very much. I also applaude the caregivers who choose this selfless service to others. I absolutely loved your words and the poignant writing. Great job! Many Blessings, FAH


  • Simone Brooklyn
    December 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I really enjoyed this poem. I loved how you set it up, it flowed pretty well. Great job.


  • shadowlyn infinitas
    December 2, 2008
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    oops. *and

  • shadowlyn infinitas
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    wow

    what a poignant look at such a terrible disease. you pierce right to the heart of the effects it can have and the care provided by those who probably don't get a thank you too often. thanks for sharing, band best wishes


  • yourbentangel
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I like where you went with this. It is a completely different take on everything else that I have read so far. Wonderful write and good luck in the contest!


  • HugsForEveryone
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Woooow, this was really cool!! It made me squirm at some points but only good writers can make that happen to their readers. This was a very good write, keep that pen handy
    ~Docteh


  • Raining Kisses silver member
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Thankyou, my beloved mother in law suffered fromthis evil condition, when she died my kids lost a gran, and i lost a best friend, yet i couldn't mourn her, i'd grieved her long ago, when she first forgot my name.This is a sensetive and emotive piece of writing, that alice(my mother in law) would have loved.


  • Poetryintheblood gold member
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for your fitting tribute to such a debilitating disease , Josie


  • not.a.poet
    December 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    your too good
    such a creative mind expressed in this poem


  • LunaSilverStars
    December 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    my grandfather suffered from this along with parkinsons so this brings back memories of what he was like before it took him away.. okay if i keep typing i am going to start crying.. i hate relating to this..


  • Rovingone gold member
    December 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    So much descriptive work in this poem reminds me of all the days I spent on the Alzheimer ward. Particularly the bit about the lawyer, once so prominent and now fighting the CNA who tries to help him dress. Those people who live their last days in their own foggy existence always made me want to stay close by for fear the next day they might be gone. So very much is revealed here.


  • LittleMoon silver member
    December 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Such an amazing piece of work, very well done. Such a cruel way for a life to end and still so little help available and so little known. Heartbreaking for all concerned.


  • FleetingImage
    November 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Such a beautiful piece yet sad at the same time. It truly is horrible the things people go through and have them still with us today...good luck.


  • Luna Moth
    November 30, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    very sombre and beautiful piece. very nice


  • Wallace
    November 30, 2008
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    Exceptional, and well put. Nothing more needs said.

  • Topnotchsy
    November 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this is a powerful, sad piece. Love how you wrote this (and judging from the applause and comments I can see I am not the only one.) Thanks for doing what can often be a thankless job, it takes a strong person to be able to do what you do. Keep writing, best of luck in the contests with this poem, it's really good.


  • hawkeslake gold member
    November 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Very striking and a true tribute to the staff of these care facilities. We need more research to find ways to prevent, and perhaps treat this disease, so that it doesn't take such a terrible toll. Thanks for writing.


  • ladyhelenaofsorrows
    November 30, 2008

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    wonderfully descriptive of a subject that is difficult and painful to experience. the rhyme, though simple, is well done, and this is beautifully written.


  • donnz
    November 30, 2008

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    You are 'Blest

    Amazing piece of work and more so, the yoke you have willingly taken upon yourself.
    "You're a better man than I, Gunga Din".
    (in more ways than one)


  • SomeGirlYouKnew
    November 30, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    this is saddening.
    well done.


  • SpiritMother
    November 30, 2008

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    As someone who has saw this first hand in my immediate family, this poem brought back memories of that time and the sadness that it brought to those that loved these people dearly. Although they are now gone to a better place, there is one that still remains within in my life..my husband. Check out my poem "Remember Me?"..Blessings to you my friend!


  • Neet
    November 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent write

    An excellent write on what is after all, a very difficult subject. The fact that it rhymed made it more enjoyable to read. Well observed and written from the heart. Well done. All the best NeetCool


  • Walls-within
    November 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Ah, this is a beautiful representation of Alzeimers...I enjoyed it alot, and I think that this was really amazing. You did well, really well.


  • Anu-Nataraj
    November 29, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I love the -ing parts !!!
    hahahahahahha

    ve ry very nice poem !..i lurved it !


  • Anu-Nataraj
    November 29, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    hahaha
    so what would u like to be????

    confirm polease....hahahahah


  • MichaelLeeSmyth
    November 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    My grandmother is 93, aside from a couple strokes that have made it hard to speak she has avoided this dreaded fate. The woman she shares a room with doesn't know her own children. But by the grace of God...
    Thanks for writing this.


  • Rend the Veil gold member
    November 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    I truly understand this

    unsung hero's that help our Alzheimer's victims or the elderly, I enjoy going to the hospitals and home for the elderly to sing there favorites from way back when. it brings them back not for long but it helps.

    Please read my rules

    Rend


  • Butterfly 8i8
    November 28, 2008

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    Perfect

    Such a perfect description of a horrible disease. I would rather watch a loved one die of cancer, or anything but suffering Alzheimer's. I would rather die in a torchure camp than suffering Alzheimer's. It's just such a cruel, sick monster. To not know who you are, to wake up everyday, lost and affraid, in a "new" environment...alone, scared, and no escape in sight...I shudder at the thought =(

    Maybe instead of "They're modern saints, the staff," "The staff is full of modern saints", and rather than "they're always going to be there", possibly "They always will be there". Just some ideas =)

    God bless you, you are a strong person! I don't know how I could do that...a "modern saint" you are!


  • lucytarbender
    November 27, 2008

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    You've truly put words to a horrible disease. I think it will help a lot of people understand a little more just how hard it is to watch.

    Excellant job...


  • BehindTheShadow
    November 27, 2008

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    You capture the essence of that horrible disease perfectly. I once heard it described like your brain's being lit with life and the moon is slowly shadowing it, alluding to the darkness that will eventually encompass everything you had... Great job!


  • funnybone
    November 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    my nan had alzheimers, it was awful watching her deteriate day by day, its such a awful cruel disease that no one should have to suffer.

    well done


  • Amykinzy
    November 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    very moving piece of writting, it really touched me. you can totally tell this is written from the heart, it's a credit to you.
    Keep up the awesome work

    Amy x


  • usually-untitled
    November 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    T.T
    my grandmother has alzheimer's. i hate it.
    you've summed up beautifully the pain of losing a vivid and distinct mind.
    thank you for writing this.

    stylistically i liked the short stanzas- the disjointed almost-rhyme fits the subject matter, somehow.


  • FreeTara
    November 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Great peom only i need your name in AN and it doesn't really fit my prompt to well as i haven't yet put them up but your welcome to keep it in and add another one or alter this one to the prompts thanks


  • spirit rising
    November 25, 2008

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    this is a really fantastic peice, i love the emotion and vividness that your choice of words brings throughout the poem i spent many years working within this kind of care enviorment and you portray it very well. i feel quite chocked


  • FelineMuse
    November 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    "Because even though they're not remembered,
    they're always going to be there."

    Holy crap, after reading those lines I needed to cry, too. I liked the way you kind of started off lighthearted, as though you were a new staff member, and then gradually moved into a sadder tone.


  • SweetxxAndxxSporty
    November 25, 2008

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    this explains the pain and emotion about this horrible disease very well done my grandmother suffered from this and i honestly cried when i read this


  • James R
    November 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    amazing write my friend from start to finish you done a great job describing alzheimers with your experience with working it you give the readers an insight to your experience

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