Home

Remembering love

Posted by Highhat on January 2, 2012 - 15:32

Precisely how have I been brainwashed as so many others?
I assume as so many others have been brainwashed.
Well I am conform to this society,
Its order and clockwork timing;
The bus is never late- well almost never.
If it is, a revolution will break out!
As I wait at the bus stop I notice an awld man, yes he is old.
He has a walking stick and is fidgeting nervously with his package.
It is big white plastic-bag.
I can see through the plastic there is a micro-wave oven.
He has obviously just purchased it.
Oh dear God I think and remember my Mum.
They turned the gas off so she didn’t start a fire or burn herself on the flames.
We bought a micro-wave and a electric kettle for her tea.
She usually forgot to drink it while it still was hot or at least warm. The tea just turned cold…
The microwave is for the Meals on Wheels- to heat it up.
Such order and control. The council demanded it otherwise she
couldn’t get anything to eat.
I suppose we were lucky that they interfered.
But I would have loved to drink tea with her every afternoon,
while she stroked my long hair and repeated my name.
I wonder when I am going to have to buy a microwave
and whether my tea goes cold?
I’d rather manage on my own.
I bet I am going to be a grumpy old lady.
Mum wasn’t but she was a strong woman in her day.
This old man looks strong-
Strong enough to carry his microwave and take the bus home.
I think I know what matters more than food-
remembering love.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Rhiannonw | January 2, 2012 - 16:16

We are struggling at present with trying to be supportive to elderly relatives, where she would like more help, but he doesn't want it. Difficult for him to graciously accept increasing limitations. Difficult for us to try to help and be misunderstood. We do try to keep aware it is illness, and try to be cheerful and pray wisdom. Rhiannon

Highhat | January 2, 2012 - 16:32

Yes a difficult situation I see-
Pia

Blessing | January 2, 2012 - 17:12

There you go, just let it out Pia and cherish those special moments with loved ones.

Highhat | January 2, 2012 - 17:27

You are quite right Blessing- thanks for your considerate comment-

;)Pia

Silver Spun Sand | January 2, 2012 - 18:26

So very poignant, Pia and the ending, so very true.

You paint such a touching portrait of yourself and your mother. Written from the heart as it was, it truly touched mine. I too had such dreams, but the same as with yourself, they were not to be.

Tina

Highhat | January 3, 2012 - 05:30

Thanks Tina for reading this. I am so glad you got so much from it.

;)Pia

Denzella | January 4, 2012 - 05:57

Yes, I too have memories such as these but now not quite so raw and so I can remember and smile at the memories where once they made me cry.

Highhat | January 4, 2012 - 06:34

Denzella- My Mother passed away only 2 years ago but I look upon our time together with mild eyes and yes I do have a lot of good memories which make me smile and at the same time I am frightened of becoming elderly myself and maybe becoming ill as my mother was- with Alzeimers.
Thanks for reading and for your comment. Glad you got something from my poem.

cheers
;)Pia

Denzella | January 4, 2012 - 08:32

Pia

My Mother suffered with dementia and physical pain too and it was heart-achingly sad to see her suffering.

Moreover, I know and understand your fear too. If it is any comfort I feel the same way. Some attention is now being given to this dreadful affliction and who knows...I have a relative with early onset of the disease and it is awful to see someone so young look so bewildered.

Best wishes

Moya

fatboy74 | January 4, 2012 - 09:53

Well done Pia - you are one step ahead of me anyway, getting something onto the page! This feels different to your normal style, but suits more the autobiographical nature of the subject matter. There is a lot of good here Pia. :-)

Highhat | January 4, 2012 - 15:36

Thanks for reading FB- I just had to get these memories in type- it made me so sad to see the elderly man and the micro-wave and brought so many memories back. I know the style is different- thought I'd try a bit of prosetry- glad you liked it- it's not too good but it gave me a kick to post it and I think that's what it's about: getting kicks here in life in a sober way.. ha ha ;D
atb

;)Pia

tarquin1 | January 4, 2012 - 17:07

Is is strange in life how the rolls get reversed. Now it is our time to do the worrying. Been there, done that. Really took me back. Well written Highhat.

Highhat | January 5, 2012 - 05:19

Thanks for commenting Tarquin-glad you liked this.

;)Pia

skinner_jennifer | January 7, 2012 - 16:55

Hello Pia,
I could completely relate to this piece of writing,
I too fear dementia, which is understandable when
you've seen a parent suffer with the condition, you
have managed to express those feelings very well in
this piece.

Let us hope that we will be okay and will live a
happy, healthy life.

A very well written, thoughtful piece.

Jenny.

Highhat | January 8, 2012 - 03:00

Thanks for reading Jenny- yes we have to stick to our hopes for a healthy life..

;)Pia