That You Remember Me

[Daniel Mark Extrom]

That You Remember Me

I’ve learned so much throughout my life
but there’s much I don’t recall.
I know it’s in there somewhere
but it’s hard to find it all.
It’s not that I’ve forgotten you,
or the things I said I’d do;
I remember everything
but it’s hidden somewhere I can’t see
just beyond my view.

You see, there is a shadow where
there didn’t used to be,
and sometimes when I look right there
it just confuses me.

I remember lovely flowers,
and songs I used to sing.
I remember springtime showers,
and rainbows they would bring.
I remember movies
and who would be the star,
but sometimes it’s so hard for me
to know just who you are.

I love to watch a baseball game
or listen to the birds.
I love to tell you secrets.
I love to hear your words.
I love for you to sit with me;
perhaps you’ll hold my hand
and tell me that you love me:
that I’ll understand.

My mind has ways of taking me
where I don’t want to go.
I know I know your name, you see;
just right now it’s hard for me
to think of things I really know,
and to know what really is
and what may not be so.

Though I might forget you,
it’s important that you see
just how much it means to me
that you remember me.

DME

[Brigid Briton]

Hi Dan,

This is a sad reminder of how many of us have loved ones who suffer from dementia in one form or the other. I think it's a great poem, but I think the rhythm falls off a little in the second to the last verse. I tried reading it aloud and was tripped up on that stanza every time. Perhaps some of our rhyming experts like Reilley, Tim or Deb can offer a little more solid insight on that verse.

Your poem captures the gentle nature of a loved one (as well as your own gentle nature) shining through, a reminder to all of us that patience and compassion are the orders of the day when relating to a loved one with dementia or other memory loss.

A lovely poem.

Brigid

[Reilley]

A poignant piece, full of love and regret.

Brigid pointed out the meter flaw, so I do not need to. I felt a similar kind of rhythm issue at the end of the first stanza as well, but maybe that is just me. 

But I love the point of view look from the inside, that was unique.

[Daniel Mark Extrom]

Thank you very kindly, Brigid and Reilley! 

Sincerely,

Dan