Letter to Heart
A poem written by one of our clients who lives with dementia
Dear heart of mine,
how long we have lived together?
Remember
we climbed that mountain?
I, stumbling, falling along the way,
You, urging me on.
Oh, how we cried.
we cried
until tears began laughing
and we sat on the summit
like heroes.
We danced,
oh, how we danced.
We danced
until twirling fabrics wrapped music
into melodies of wine
and we giggled
by the fireside
falling in love.
We loved,
Oh, how we loved.
We loved
flying on dreams of forever
we loved
brave and strong.
I thought I’d lost you for a time.
Then I heard you weeping
to a song playing on the radio
and discovered you
cold and alone.
We wept.
Oh, how we wept.
We held each other and wept
until our sorrow became a lullaby
in warm blankets,
and we rested like old friends.
Our ancestors are calling these aging bones
creaking in the sound of departure.
But we will live on,
brave and strong.
We will live on
in the lives of our children,
threading miracles into their days
and weaving sweet dreams
into their dark hours.
In the corridors of time
they will hear the echo of our laughter
as they tell our stories to their young.
twilight unfolds
tenderly touching these memories
and we live on
dear heart
brave and strong
together.
When our client first received their diagnosis, they shared they felt frightened and uncertain about what the future might hold. But through writing, they were able to slow down, reflect on all the joy and struggles they experienced and learn to embrace the small moments of life.
For our client, poetry and sharing poems is simply about staying connected to the people and world around them. By sharing this poem, they hope others will feel that connection.
This National Poetry Month we are sharing a range of poems written about people’s experiences with dementia.
If this poem brings up any emotions or concerns for you, we are here to help. Call the National Dementia Helpline any time on 1800 100 500 for support or information.
