So Sorry If It's Maudlin

I read a really nice poem today by a modern poet.  She was expressing her journey into Alzheimer's with her parents (both), and it dredged up memories for me.  No Alzheimer's but terrible dementia caused from my mom smoking from age 9 until she died at 83.  She knew my dad, my brother, my husband, and my oldest son and his daughter, who was 8. Rarely, she would recognize me, even if my husband was there.  She introduced me as her sister, Betty to everyone.  She always told me I reminded her of Aunt Betty, looks and attitude.  Anyway.....


 

No Identity

 She did not know me,

But I had known her since birth.

I had become

Sister, neighbor, friend, stranger.

How can a daughter be forgotten?

I wanted to hear my name.

I wanted to be her daughter again.

I would take the criticism and judgment

Over non-existence.

 

P A Wade

2015