The Why of it - Shakespeare's Monkeys

The Why of it

Based on a small conversation last evening at bedtime.

"I want to do it myself!"
he rages in incoherent words.
"I want to walk.
Get rid of the chair.
I can walk!"
he yells.

But he can't find words
and those random few found
tangle in uncooperative
tongue
and teeth
as he spits and drools.

He would stamp, flounce,
rage, leave with dignity,
have a walk
to calm down
but traiter legs,
wayward floors,
phantom sight
conspire and trip.

He falls back
and sits.
Tears well up
as he helplessly forgets
the why of it all.

Later
She washes
and dresses him for bed.
Tugging at his foot
she puts on one slipper
and the next.

He smiles.
"Thank you for helping me"
he says, quite clearly.
She kisses him
full on the lips
smiling.
She knows
the why of it.

Anstey -
Oh Pags.. this is a wonderful scene. Tragedy and triumph. Moments appreciated. Love. It's very moving and powerful. My only quibble would be the title, though i don't have a suggestion, i would say it is an opporunity to clarify the situation. Your end, i think would also be more powerful were it not telegraphed.

Pags -

Snapshots of dementia?
84 and fighting still?

Pags -
Snapshots of dementia and grace?

Rene' -

This is oozing with love. The frustration of it all comes through loud and clear, the pain, the loss, the fear, and then the temporary acceptance of fate.

----- LIFE: I messed up, can I have a 'do over'?

I am orbiting, I don't know where, but I am orbiting something!

Angelkat -

Pags, this reminds me of the conversations I had with Mom while she was nearing the end of her life. Only we were 3,000 miles apart. I wanted to be there to help her. I remember how our roles were reversed.

Yes, the title is appropriate, since those close to someone with Alzheimer's understand that it's not the patient's fault, only a sad slowing of the mind and memory.

In you words, I see compassion, patience, and understanding. since Alzheimer's patients struggle to remember even the simplest things. In conversations with my mother, I had to hold back the tears when she asked me several times in a few minute conversation the same question again. You've shown here how their minds are reduced to the simplicity of the moment, where they don't understand why (or how) but we do all too clearly.

~Chelle~

Tracey -

This is reality, this is the in-the-moment-ness of lives altered by catastrophic illness or injury. God bless your father's spirit and your abiding love.

Kicking around ideas for titles and not having any success - all of my ideas are too corny and embarassing to post!

Norm -

What about shortening the title to a small conversation, all lower case letters, as an understated intro to a most powerful and moving piece of writing?

Incidentally, this poem is stunning.