DEPRIVED by Julia W. Prentice

A spiritual exploration of the deprivation that comes from dementia...

...or other memory-destroying life situations, this poem wrote itself as I ponder the stages of relationship with my mother. As she slips into the golden years, I attempt to follow her, walking the path she walks. When I experienced a form of memory loss it felt as if it would last a lifetime. Then, slowly and with reluctant acceptance, came a new place to dwell in light and in relationship with the fragile nature of memory and recognition of a new way to be in relationship with it.

Deprived

by Julia W. Prentice

Deprived of my senses

All of them deadened

Taste is nothing but ash

Smell is unknown

Touch wrapped in cobwebs

Or sea foam,

Sight gone forever.

Yet I hear a singing

Ringing in my ears

They are the inner voices

Celestial and divine

Slowly they awaken me

Undeaden the touch

To soft goose down

Unnumb the scenting to

Gardenia blooms

And tasting ambrosia

Slipping down my throat

I am alive again

A chorus of sensation

Overtakes me

As I arise

From age-long slumber

And opening my eyes

I truly see the light.

Artwork by the author, Julia W. Prentice

Julia W. Prentice: A deeply feeling Cancer, Julia has been writing since her teenage years. She is the mother of three sons, has successful careers in teaching children, interpretation in sign language and assisting persons with mental health challenges to find their own paths to recovery. Living with her love and partner of over forty years has brought contentment and much fulfillment. She writes like she breathes: incessantly, some in ragged gasps, some in whispering sighs, some in mighty shouts. Always she is driven to write. Recently after taking a women’s online writing course she has heard the universe telling her to share her writings. You may find them on her blog "A Shooting Star" here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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