In the buzz of the city, she found rhythm
Cued by the screeching trains she arose
But this day the dogs’ impatience urged her
Get moving—get up and go somewhere close.
They turned the corner with diffidence
She still had to learn the city ways more;
No crowds to dodge, no elbows to run into
The thought—a blur of a time of yore.
But what day was this, where was everyone?
And why hadn’t the trains screeched?
What day was this and where was she needed?
She couldn’t recall where she was headed.
A wind gust, her steps quickened
The dogs huddled to right her imbalance
With arms outstretched, she reached a door
And its pretty wreath shook unbalanced.
On a carpeted floor they landed
In a room, lit by a tree and a soft glow,
Piles of books on walls for adornment
And across a counter, a tall storage box.
The refrigerator cast a veil of light—
Gossamer of an ancient happy life
And joy reached her beyond her amnesia,
Of a time when she was someone’s wife.
“Feels like Christmas,” she said through a mouthful
And the dogs echoed same, mouthfuls and all.
She gasped and looked far into the distance—
An old radio was playing Silent Night.
The dogs paused mid-chew, watched her
Face turn childlike. They couldn’t hear the music
But they could keep her warm as she traveled
To when her mind wasn’t marred and sick,
And her present doesn’t figure.
© selma
May Magic Splendor Surround You
and
May it help you manifest magic for another.
© selma
I wrote this poem in December 2021. It’s about a woman I read about who
suffered from Alzheimer’s and lived on the streets with her loyal dogs.
It’s sad. But has a somewhat happy ending.
It’s encouragement too—for you who are now caring for your mother/parent.
You’re blessed to know where they are.
Blessings befall you.
Photo: Image by Mateusz Dietrich from Pixabay
Thanks for reading, dear friends, and may your holidays be merry and bright.
- Adorned in Slumber Kisses - November 21, 2024
- Haiku: Alone Together - November 20, 2024
- A Little Sun Expands the Soul - November 19, 2024
Magically beautiful. Merry Christmas!
Aww. You warm my night with joy. Thanks so much, Kathryn. I bless you. And have you checked? Christmas is almost here. Woo hoo. Merry Christmas 🎄 💕
Love the festive spirit in this piece and how it is packed with warmth and imagery!
Thanks, dear Jaya. This homeless woman with a fading memory received blessings of kindness. At least for this once she was warm.
Thanks for reading. I bless you. 🎄 💕
Good festive mood 👍🏻 keep it up dear Selma 🤗
This one is about a homeless woman who’s short on memory. May she represent all our needy. And May we rise to help (and bring them magic) if only for one day. Glad you read. Joy and peace and light to you. 🎄
Thank you Selma for sharing such a great piece. Joy,peace, light and love to you ❤️
Magical, Selma! ❤️❄️🙏
Thanks, Ingrid. ⛄️ 🎄 🌟
Such a beautiful and moving poem/ story.
Very nice written this poem.
A moving poem. ❤️
How very lovely 😍
~David