Flailing

Listening to tearful nonsense is a chore,
when something urgent could or should be done.
But wandering minds can’t bear to be alone –
nor space begrudge without a silent roar.
Frustrated irritation seethes the more
and misconstrues the carer’s care as hate;
which nothing shall this petulance placate,
nor bid persuasion stand at logic’s door.
So many souls have sought with love and charm
to mitigate incomprehension’s flame –
to soothe again; though reason fathers blame
and explanation raises fresh alarm.
But caring love is all we have for use,
when cognitive impairment sparks abuse.

(May 2018)
Author – Mr John Burman

[Author’s note: These sonnets chronicle the inevitable and wretched decline in my wife’s cognitive function due to Vascular Dementia from my viewpoint as her loving carer. JHB]

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I offer Individual Counselling and Couples Therapy in-person and online. I will support you with kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding. Working collaboratively, I will provide a safe, confidential space for you to express and process your emotions. I work with adults and carers.

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