Poem Title: - Alzheimer’s crept in and carried you away.<o:p>
Poet: - William Smiley (Used with permission of the author)<o:p>
Copyright: - Copyright © 1997 William Smiley<o:p>
Email: - yakko82@hotmail.com<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
When we're together, I look in your eyes and...nothing.
That glimmer that was once there, now is gone.
Sometimes I wonder if you even know my name,
what time it is... yesterday... what's been done.
Your mind seems so clouded and confused;
you sit and try to understand.
I even wonder what it is that's left of you:
a blank face, behind a smiling mask.
Some days are good days,
others are bad.
The Alzheimer's has control.
Then, it seems to have disappeared.
You don't understand
and you strike at me,
seem to realise the reality,
and you're sorry, no longer mad.
We walk, precious moments, in the park,
even though you're winded fast.
I look to these times in the dark,
when you think it's morning, ready to start anew.
It's strange, how you once cared for me,
and now its I who cares for you.
Each moment of needed sleep I stay away from you,
I feel relieved, but guilty. I'm not there...
You often walk the halls,
something's troubling you.
If I ask, and you speak, I don't understand.
Your voice is mumbles, gasps, and even stranger sounds.
Oh how I wish that I could ease the pain.
The world you once knew has crumbled, fallen down.
The time has come
for us to part.
If I had one wish come true,
it would be: you'd find the love I have for you.
But this unseen killer with the booming voice
has called, and taken you away.
One last time, I whisper in your ear,
"I love you mama, and I know you love me too."
<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - I’m Free<o:p>
<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,<o:p>
I’m following paths God made for me.<o:p>
I took his hand, I heard Him call,<o:p>
Then turned and bid farewell to all.<o:p>
<o:p>
I could not stay another day,<o:p>
To laugh, to love, to sing to play.<o:p>
Tasks left undone must stay that way,<o:p>
I found my peace at close of day.<o:p>
<o:p>
And if my parting left a void<o:p>
Then fill it with remembered joy.<o:p>
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,<o:p>
Ah yes these things I too will miss.<o:p>
<o:p>
Be not burdened … deep with sorrow,<o:p>
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.<o:p>
My life’s been full .. I’ve savoured much,<o:p>
Good friends, good times ..<o:p>
A loved one’s touch.<o:p>
<o:p>
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,<o:p>
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.<o:p>
Lift up your hearts and share with me,<o:p>
God wants me now … He set me free. <o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
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<o:p>
Poem Title: - FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach
with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene,
he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.
One belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed
that many times along the path of his life,
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest
and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him
and he questioned the Lord about it.: <o:p>
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during
the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you the most
you would leave me." <o:p>
<o:p>
The Lord replied,
"My precious, precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then I carried you."<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - Heaven's Latest Angel<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,
blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of Angels" <o:p>
<o:p>
Such a little girl living grown up dreams
Shooting for the sky
With a smile and eyes that beam
Her living an example
Her death was a surprise
Heaven's latest angel
Finally gets to fly. <o:p>
<o:p>
She touched so many lives
She made us see the light
Dreams are only dreams
Unless we live them day and night
Her life here may have ended
But her soul will never die
Heaven's latest angel
Finally gets to fly. <o:p>
<o:p>
Nothing left to ground her
Spirit ... finally free
The world hers' to discover
"From sea to shining sea"
Yearning for the blue skies
As she waves one last good-bye
Heaven's latest angel
Finally gets to fly <o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - The Traveller<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
I was the traveller standing at the crossroad.
The pathway was opened up for me,
the way was lighted.
Did I choose this path?
You are the pathway, and it is you who chose me!
Why would you do this?
Am I that special?
I was in the deepest pit of despair.
You came, searching for me.......for me?
With a wave of your hand, my burden was removed.
All my fears banished.
Without knowing how, I was on level ground.
Bathed in your brilliant light.
Yet, you are my path, and we journey together.
But, why was I chosen?
I feel unworthy.......perhaps it is a dream?
But, No! I am awake, of this I am certain.
You rise and surround me now.
I am lost in you now, lost in you forever.
Safe from all harm in your loving embrace.
Nothing else matters.....<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - Be The Best<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
If you can’t be a pine on the top of a hill, <o:p>
Be a scrub in the valley – but be <o:p>
The best little scrub by the side of the rill; <o:p>
Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. <o:p>
If you can’t be a bush, be a bit of the grass, <o:p>
And some highway happier make; <o:p>
If you can’t be a muskie then just be a bass – <o:p>
But the liveliest bass in the lake! <o:p>
We can’t all be captains; we’ve got to be crew, <o:p>
There’s something for all of us here, <o:p>
There’s big work to do and there’s lesser to do, <o:p>
And that task we must do is near. <o:p>
If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail, <o:p>
If you can’t be the sun, be a star; <o:p>
It isn’t by size that you win or you fail – <o:p>
Be the best of whatever you are! <o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - I’m Only a Carer<o:p>
Poet: - Susan Daubney<o:p>
Copyright: - Copyright © 1997 Susan Daubney<o:p>
Email: - Susie1starchild@aol.com<o:p>
<o:p>
How is he today, has he taken his pills? <o:p>
Is all well with the world, or is he still ill?<o:p>
Of course he’s still suffering I desperately cry,<o:p>
As I look up and see that ‘there’s clouds in the sky’.<o:p>
<o:p>
This constant depression, I’m losing the fight<o:p>
To show my beloved that all will be right.<o:p>
Once more he excludes me, he turns in on himself<o:p>
So once more I’m stuck, put away on a shelf.<o:p>
<o:p>
I can only support him, and give him my love<o:p>
Fight for his causes, but it’s just not enough.<o:p>
He’s had to cope on his own for so long<o:p>
As he’s been rejected all his life long.<o:p>
<o:p>
He’s begged and he’s pleaded, “Just listen to me<o:p>
Just show that you care, that you care about ME.”<o:p>
But the doctors don’t listen, nor do the nurses<o:p>
So when he’s frustrated, its me that he curses.<o:p>
<o:p>
When darkness descends, depression, despair, <o:p>
We’re all on our own, there’s no one out there,<o:p>
To listen to our pleas in the still of the night<o:p>
So I feel even more pain as I fight and I fight.<o:p>
<o:p>
I feel so desperate, I can’t cure his ills<o:p>
As I catch him again with a handful of pills.<o:p>
“Nobody listens, nobody cares”<o:p>
He cries as again all he feels is despair.<o:p>
<o:p>
Why do I keep fighting when my love’s not enough<o:p>
To make him feel better, to help him be tough.<o:p>
It’s because he’s my partner, my lover, my friend<o:p>
And I don’t want him to suffer, I will fight to the end.<o:p>
<o:p>
I watch as he’s sleeping, he’s just like a babe<o:p>
Not a care in the world, until he awakes.<o:p>
It’s the only time he’s not suffering you see<o:p>
So I’ll sleep in a while, so contented I’ll be<o:p>
BECAUSE HE’S SAFE …………… FOR NOW!!!!<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - My Mother Angel<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
Idle curiosity can be a bad thing,
but on the day I met you my friend,
only joy did it bring!
Sadness and sorrow filled my heart so deep,
when I wasn’t looking, my friend you did creep.
Through the darkest of days, you shine me a light,
when all hope is gone, you give me determination to fight.
No words need to pass my friend, you know me so well,
you carry me through, when I feel I’m living in hell.
With you there’s a presence, like a magical hug,
you are a very special lady, filled with nothing but love.
I know a lot of people feel the same as me,
you are our mother angel, you hold the key.
I just wanted to say thanks for everything you do,
I feel proud and privileged to know you.<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - I'm not far away my child<o:p>
Poet: - <st1:placew:ston>Sian Daubney<o:p>
Copyright: - Copyright © 2008 Sian Daubney<o:p>
Email: - BaselSorian@aol.com<o:p>
<o:p>
I’m writing this from heaven,
Just to help let you see,
That I love you so much it hurts,
Thank you so much for loving me.
I believed that life carried on after physical death,
You know that this is true,
I’m coming back to make sure,
You know I’m here for you.
Loosing loved ones isn’t easy,
I should know I had my share,
When everyone fusses around you,
And tries to just “be there”
It’s harder when it’s a mother you loose,
Someone who looked after you and cared,
And in your whole life up to now,
Together, everything you’ve shared.
I know it’s hard to get through it,
But eventually the pain will heal,
And if at anytime you need me there,
I promise to keep this deal.
The deal is that you remember me,
But that you try to live your life,
And when in times of trouble
I’ll help you through the strife.
I’ll be walking in your shadow when you need me,
I’ll be standing by your feet,
Walking with you every step
As new people you will meet.
You see when I was on the earth,
I looked out for you my love,
I must say nothing has changed there,
I still do that from up above.
I know that as you go through life,
You’ll miss our friendly natters,
But as long as you are ok my sweet,
That’s really all that matters.
My child once again I must leave you,
But we both know it’s not forever,
As one day I’ll be waiting to greet you,
And we’ll spend eternity together.
All my love, Mum<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - The Rose Beyond the Wall<o:p>
<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
Near shady wall a rose once grew,<o:p>
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,<o:p>
Watered and fed by the morning dew,<o:p>
Shedding it's sweetness day and night.<o:p>
<o:p>
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,<o:p>
Slowly rising to loftier height,<o:p>
It came to a crevice in the wall<o:p>
Through which there shone a beam of light.<o:p>
<o:p>
Onward it crept with added strength<o:p>
With never a thought of fear or pride,<o:p>
It followed the light through the crevice's length<o:p>
And unfolded itself on the other side.<o:p>
<o:p>
The light, the dew, the broadening view<o:p>
Were found the same as they were before,<o:p>
And it lost itself in beauties new,<o:p>
Breathing it's fragrance more and more.<o:p>
<o:p>
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve<o:p>
And make our courage faint and fall?<o:p>
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive--<o:p>
The rose still grows beyond the wall,<o:p>
<o:p>
Scattering fragrance far and wide<o:p>
Just as it did in days of yore,<o:p>
Just as it did on the other side,<o:p>
Just as it will forevermore.<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - Flavia Weedn<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Copyright © 2008 Flavia Weedn<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never, ever the same.<o:p>
Some people come into our lives and quickly go... some stay for a while
and embrace our silent dreams.
They help us become aware of the delicate winds of hope...
and we discover within every human spirit there are wings yearning to fly.
They help our hearts to see that the only stairway to the stars
is woven with dreams...and we find ourselves unafraid to reach high.<o:p>
They celebrate the true essence of who we are...
and have faith in all that we may become.
Some people awaken us to new and deeper realizations...
for we gain insight from the passing whisper of their wisdom.<o:p>
Throughout our lives we are sent
precious souls meant to share our journey,
however brief or lasting their stay they remind us why we are here.
To learn... to teach... to nurture... to love
Some people come into our lives to cast a steady light upon our path, and guide our every step, their shining belief in us helps us to believe in ourselves.<o:p>
Some people come into our lives to teach us about love...
The love that rests within ourselves.
Let us reach out to others and feel the bliss of giving, for love is far richer in action than it ever is in words.<o:p>
Some people come into our lives and they move our souls to sing
and make our spirits dance.
They help us to see that everything on earth is part of the incredibility of life...
and that it is always there for us to take of its joy.
Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never, ever the same.
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - REMEMBER ME<o:p>
<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated.
To the happy, I am at peace.
To the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen but I can be heard.
So as you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty,
Remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, and your memories.
Of the times we cried, the times we fought, and the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.<o:p>
<o:p>
<o:p>
Poem Title: - My Forever Friend<o:p>
Poet: - Unknown<o:p>
Copyright: - Unknown<o:p>
Email: - Unknown<o:p>
<o:p>
As I sit in the stillness of the night.
I watch as the streetlights twinkle below me,
guiding travellers towards the safety of the town below.
Inside my spirit cries in the darkness
as it searches desperately for the pathway,
the one that will bring laughter and hope into my life.
My pathway at the moment seems strewn with obstacles
obstacles that I do not have the energy at the moment to remove myself
but ones which I know are essential to my spirit’s learning.
I smile as my ‘angel of the night’ files towards me,
her light illuminates the dark pathway
and gives me hope for the days ahead.
My angel quenches my thirst, soothes my spirit
and brings with her love, peace and joy,
a true sense of togetherness in the friendship we share.
Words are sometimes intrusive so we sit and share the darkness together
each knowing that the other one cares,
each one lost in their own thoughts.
Time moves on and so must we, so I say goodbye to my angel
and watch with a smile deep inside
as we take it is turns to lead each other through the darkness
back to the town of twinkling lights.
God Bless you my Angel
You are a very special part of me,
My forever friend.
I love you.<o:p>
