Mom’s Way Home
Mom’s Way Home is a poem about my relationship with my mother who has dementia. I’ve been taking care of her for some time, and the experience of caring for her awakens some pretty deep and sometimes terrifying feelings.
I know it’s cold and dark
there where you are
and I’m the only one you see
like some distant star.
Because you are forgetting me
yet I’m always there,
feeding you, dressing you,
giving you care
as we bear
this out,
this closing
of your life and love;
this ending of the story
as we watch from above.
I’ve been there
every step of the way
and so were you
my very first day.
Featured image: Pixabay
I've been writing poetry since I was a teenager, which was back in the early 1980s. I've studied poetry a bit, have learned form, meter, alliteration, things like that; but mostly I just let it flow. Though academics tend to think rhyme is contrived, and it often is, I still use it. I think poetry is rhythm and sound. If it sounds good when you read it out loud, then it's good poetry.
I think I admire E. E. Cummings the most out of the great poets; because of his totally unorthodox approach. For substance, I like Walt Whitman. For rhythm, I like Edgar Allan Poe. For the raw stuff, I like Ginsberg. I also like a little Dylan Thomas.
As for my own writing, I like to explore deeper feelings but feelings that have broad meaning too.
Hope to share some of that meaningful writing here.
I think I admire E. E. Cummings the most out of the great poets; because of his totally unorthodox approach. For substance, I like Walt Whitman. For rhythm, I like Edgar Allan Poe. For the raw stuff, I like Ginsberg. I also like a little Dylan Thomas.
As for my own writing, I like to explore deeper feelings but feelings that have broad meaning too.
Hope to share some of that meaningful writing here.
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Nathan, this poem is so beautiful. My heart and prayers go to you and your beloved Mother. I so understand what you are going through and admire you for being able to express your thoughts and feelings so very lovingly.
I do not know what to say to comfort you but you have written a fine poem.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem, Nathan. I know that caring for a loved one with dementia can be an extremely challenging role. I am sure your mother would love this tribute and show of your love and devotion.
Thank you everyone, for your kind words. I’m glad you liked my poem.
Nathan , You rewards will be many ! Your writing will move mountains in this form . Thank you for sharing in such a personal way . Prayers for your mom !
Know this my poet, your mother feels your presence in her soul, just be you, her beloved son. A son who loves and cares for his dear mother. She brought you into this world of unknowing challenges we all must face, carry her in your arms and heart, lift her up when she needs lifting. You are her strength now and in her heart you are still her little boy with a huge heart. Blessings and peace I send you both this day.
What a wonderful poem to express your love and devotion for your mother in such moving tone. Thank you.
Very moving sir. Sadly and sweetly at the same time it drew up from the well of my mind, a bucket full of memories of my Dad and his Mom, my grandmother; who both passed from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Been there and done that and my heart goes out to you.
This poem is simply amazing.
Thanks Dana!
Poignant and beautiful.
Heartbreakingly beautiful!
Such a touching and real moment that you share with such grace and beauty. Well penned. Jamie