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A Difficult Journey

LORRAINE BRUCE

November 24 
When their mind is gone, but their body remains
It is hard to accept, leastwise explain
The feelings that flood and rise with the pain
as we try to stay present, and not fall apart.
But with each day that passes our loved ones depart
to their world, where they play their imaginary part.

And with each glimmer of hope, we long to see
some semblances of who our loved one used to be,
whilst coming to terms with our new reality.

Then inwardly we are crying, tears of goodbye
As we ask the age-old question, Dementia, WHY?!!!!

About this poem

This poem is one of many I have now written about my own personal dementia journey with my mum who sadly passed earlier this year in January.

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Written on May 24, 2024

Submitted by lbruce12388 on November 11, 2024

31 sec read
123

Quick analysis:

Scheme XAABBB CCC DD
Closest metre Iambic hexameter
Characters 526
Words 104
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 6, 3, 2
Full analysis for A Difficult Journey »

LORRAINE BRUCE

 · 1961 · London

A lover of the outdoors life and growing my own food I love to walk and hike. I have three grown up children but I am now cat mummy to three adorable cats. I have always been creative and love to write poetry and songs. I am also passionate about music and playing my piano. more…

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Discuss the poem A Difficult Journey with the community...

10 Comments
  • Pulse.wilson
    Pulse.wilson
    A very difficult question
    LikeReply 16 days ago
  • charlesedwardyork
    charlesedwardyork
    I know this poem is about dementia but I could relate to it in regards to my mom’s passing on September 21, 2024. It was very touching, and I feel so moved. This was like a literary hug that I needed. Thank you so much for sharing it. 
    LikeReply7 days ago
  • ladyygracious
    ladyygracious
    A heart-wrenching and poignant tribute to loved ones lost to dementia.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      thank you for your beautiful words have a lovely Christmas
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • Kama77
    Kama77
    I know hard it is, you wrote from the heart and i think that is what makes you stronger.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      thank you happy Christmas
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • PriscillaKing
    PriscillaKing
    Those glimmers of hope that the brain's coming back, when one synapse connects for one second...! Congratulatiions on having survived watching someone go through this.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      thank you. We went through the same with my dad first, then mum. Devastating, cruel and very sad.
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • susan.brumel
    susan.brumel
    Beautiful, heartfelt poem, Lorraine. Watching those we love suffer with dementia is so painful.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      Hi Susan, thank you. Yes very heartfelt and also cathartic for me. Sending love and light
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • bookerina
    bookerina
    This was one of my favorite contenders this month. My grandpa suffered from dementia and watching him decline was heart-wrenching.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      hi, I know and each person is so different you cannot really prepare yourself enough. Sending love and light
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • npirandy
    npirandy
    How well I know. My dad suffered from dementia, so I learned the hard way. Great job!
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      sorry to hear about your dad and your personal journey with dementia. As you say you certainly have to learn the hard way. Sending love and light
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • rebekaspear42
    rebekaspear42
    Yes
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • omeganandanie
    omeganandanie
    Dementia is an illness affecting many parents today. Who knows what would become our memories in the future. No amount of education wealth status could keep away dementia. When affected with dementia we sat there motionless unless someone care to move us feed us bathe us clothe us care for us. 
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • lbruce12388
      lbruce12388
      yes it is a very devastating disease and affects old and young alike. x
      LikeReply1 month ago

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"A Difficult Journey" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 5 Feb. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/206909/a-difficult-journey>.

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