Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Saving Against Alzheimer's--By Lenora Good--United States

Saving Against Alzheimer's

How do you save your nouns and your verbs?
Do you write them in a notebook and keep it with you?
Do you tie them in brightly colored silk scarves?

A blue scarf for water, as it flows upon the rocks,
under the bridge, fills the river, sings of love
and sorrow. Knot it about your neck. Do not forget.

Take your red scarf, the color of blood, the color of life.
Into it put memories of your babies, your husband,
the war he didn't survive. Knot it, twice. Do not lose.

Your white scarf holds your prayers and tears, the
mourning of what might have been but can never be.
Gather your sadness, remember it, respect it. Tie the knot tight.

Fill your yellow scarf with happiness. The bliss
of laughing babies, your first published poem,
happy times with good friends, the joys of discovery.

Knot that scarf over your heart; hold it tight. Keep the
good nouns close, the happy verbs a part of your life. Hold
onto the scarves, the knots, as you sail off the bridge.

Your nouns and your verbs will survive.

Lenora Good lives in the desert of Washington State (yes, we have one). She writes poems, novels, and radio plays. When not writing she is reading, quilting, out taking photographs, or when very fortunate, taking a road trip, she may also be found at her blog, http://livingwithrainyday.blogspot.com.

20 comments:

  1. OMGosh, Lenora! Your poem, to me, is exceptionally poignant in all the things we take for granted. You paint them all beautifully, yet sadly and devastatingly that are lost in a world that has become numb and where the light that once shone in beautiful eyes has become dull and wondering....... God bless those who suffer from Alzheimers and the families who are left in shock at all the changes they see, mostly on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing such depth in a picture that would be very difficult for me, or others to express. Sheri / www.poetryandbeyond.net

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  2. Thank you for the kind words. I'm pleased they have touched you in a positive manner.

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  3. Your words brought tears to my eyes--not because I fear Alzheimer's but rather because I'm seeing the ending of my life around the corner. I think I'll choose a scarf among my collection of 74 years and start my knots. :)

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  4. Dame Judith, may I suggest you start with a yellow scarf?

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  5. Dear Lenora, there are many people who can relate to your poem and I like the way you used the different color scarves to hold memories. Let's hope we see more of the yellow ones than the white ones. Very well written! Best wishes, Carolyn

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  6. Thank you, Carolyn. I'm delighted you like my poem, and may your closet be filled with yellow scarves;-)

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  7. Lenora, what a beautiful poem! Makes me thankful for what is now. Mary

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  8. Thank you, Mary. Be thankful for today, for no one knows what tomorrow will bring ;-)

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  9. Dear Lenora,

    I am so happy to see the wonderful response you are getting for your powerful and well-written poem. Welcome to Whispers! I hope you are enjoying your time spent here. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.

    Sincerely,
    Karen

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  10. Thank you, Karen. I am overwhelmed at the marvelous reception I'm receiving. ;-)

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  11. The darker the sky the brighter the rainbow. Thank you for your wonderful words. Colour in a poem makes my day. Ralph.

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  12. Ralph, I'm glad I was able to add to your day's enjoyment ;-)

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  13. Hi Lenora,

    A touching write on Alzheimer's told so beautifully in color as all these scarves are special when held close to the heart. Very well written! Welcome to Whisper's and thank you for sharing your poetry with us today.

    Sandra Stefanowich

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    1. Sandra, Thanks you for the welcome and the nice words about my poem.

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  14. Hi Lenora. Blessings to you and yours! What a powerful and passionate poem. I am drawn to the genuine sincerity that you use with the color of each scarf. Thank you for sharing. I hope to read more of your work. Continued blessings!

    -Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
    TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
    www.tgbtgpublictions.com

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    1. Good morning, Maurice, and I thank you for your kind words and your blessings.

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  15. What a unique chain of thoughts! I love the way you keep your memories intact. Superb.
    congrats
    ranu

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    1. Ranu, I somehow missed your comment, and only now read it. I'm so sorry to have waited so long to reply. I'm glad you like the poem. It was inspired by the movie, Poetry out of South Korea.

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  16. Beautiful, concrete/specific, poignant.

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