Beth Camp Historical Fiction

Saturday, October 05, 2013

October 5: Memory Song for Samantha

Of course I remember you, dear.
After all, today I have my list.
It's the betweens I'm forgetting.
People frown, but I don't know
all the words anymore.
Where did Samantha go?
Chasing flowers with a net or was it
butterflies last summer in that green garden
on what street?
Or were we children in a field
of lavender, purple on every side.
I remember tea with Grandmama
on her verandah, overlooking those wide-spaced
fields, purple vines stretched in every direction,
rows and rows, and we so polite,
dressed in white, sipping hot peppermint tea.
Where was I?
Rocking here, talking with you,
and looking at my list,
Doctor's this morning. I remember that.
They say I need more medicines.
They'll tell me what and when.
I don't know anymore.
Where did Samantha go?

Lavender Fields in Tasmania,
Bridestowe Estate
(National Geographic)
Today's poem came from the OctPoWriMo prompt to write a poem a day for October in list form. I played with that idea. Read what others have written here.

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:43 PM

    Heart-wrenching and beautiful, Beth. Brava!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I didn't want to say I'm writing about someone who has dementia, but I hope that's what came across, how the gradual loss of memory affects an entire family.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see what you've written!

      Delete
  3. Beautifully done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda. I'm hoping you brought humor today!!!

      Delete
  4. Wow, I really love this. It's got a sense of melancholy but with a burning heart, if that makes any sense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that makes perfect sense, Christine, for we do not stop feeling intensely just because we're older. Nor does our family suffer any the less when memory loss affects a loved one. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

      Delete
  5. Yes, Beth, your intention came through well. Your poem makes me stop and think and be grateful. Thank you. xoA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Annis. I hope I'm grateful every day.

      Delete
  6. Oh! This brought tears to my eyes as yesterday we visited an elderly relative who has just been diagnosed with vascular dementia and although his eyes lit up with recognition he didn't know why. A very emotional day for us and your poem is beautifully written from the sufferer's perspective.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sally, Perhaps a poem can bring heart's ease for these times. I noticed a kind of querulous frustration in my grandmother when she could not remember. But she knew love. Beth

      Delete
  7. Stunning, Beth, and yes, I thought you captured dementia with real compassion. This is one of your best.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Poignancy personified. This poem has the stamp of a genial soul.

    ReplyDelete