Tissues

By Rhiannonw

Thu, 22 Oct 2015
  • 3858 reads
10 comments
 

Self discipline of many years
to never sniff or drip;
determined in these ageing days
for manners not to slip,
and always to equip
herself with handy tissue.

We boxes place conveniently
by bed, by plate, by chair.
Her pockets used, and sleeve or chest,
but stops, feels here and there,
‘now, have I put one anywhere?
make sure I’ve got a tissue.’

She folds, and puts one safe away,
but then begins to fumble    
just when she’s zimmered to the step,
– I shout (can’t hear a mumble)
‘Better sniff than take a tumble –
find a seat first then you're tissue.’

If memory is now so short,
why is a fear conceived,
or misconception, well remembered,
but answer given, received,     
that has that fear relieved,
is clean forgot,
‘and oh, where is my tissue!’

 

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Biography
Humour
Love

Comments

Submitted by EB on

You can feel the love in this. Sad, the described  processes, but this shows the smiles to be had too. 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, EB. I was hoping that love and not mocking in anyway would show, but there are wry smiles to be had as you try to help, which the lady herself would have joined in if the understanding hadn't passed! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Sooz006 on

find a seat first then you're tissue.’ ...your

This is sweet, it made me smile. 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Sooz. Nice to hear from you. Sometimes it seems good to try to keep a record of these sorts of incidents and they might help others understand and cope with the caring too. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

Ingrained habits live on - thankfully, in some cases. Sweet poem, Rhiannon. I know where you are coming from with this one.

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Bee. That's true. Been thinking of you today, and in the coming days. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

And I too, am deeply touched by the pathos written, so deftly,  in between these lines, Rhiannon.  Aaaaaaaaaaa...tissue, is all that there is left for me to saysmiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Ah, those tissues do make you sneeze sometimes, Tina. But thank you for your appreciation. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I do think your stories about your in-laws problems in old age are helpful. All of us will come across people in various stages of dementia as we go through life.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. I find it helpful to record some aspects one has come to understand a bit more, and to see the humour as well as sadness and need in situations. Rhiannon