In Memoriam: Moirae

In memory of my grandfather, who passed away in February. The first part of the "In Memoriam" series written for him.

Memories flutter

Like elusive butterflies

Just beyond reach

Well-defined lines

Between fact and fiction

Now blurred

Sparks

Of former brilliance

Try to reignite

Helplessness

Erodes colossal spirit

Hurts worst

Soul burns

As self fades from memory

This phoenix won’t rise.

Author's Note

All the stories I've heard about my grandfather claim he was a colossus, but all I can see is the frail man who was left paralyzed by a stroke and had his memories robbed by dementia. I spent a few days with grandpa while he was undergoing treatment. The poem above is an attempt to describe his deteriorating health as I saw it, in five haiku.

But I wish I had better memories to remember him by.... something I reflect upon in the second part of the "In Memoriam" series: http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/zainabuf/1034802/

Reviews

[MOON]

Poignant emotional write. When people are ill come to the end of their life in a painful who they are or we're can be forgotten. Yet often they were great people in their time. Lovely heartfelt write.

[Zainab UF]

Thank you. I'm glad you loved it.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

This is so well done and full of heartfelt love and hurt. The way you did it in haikus as one poem makes it very powerful. My mother had some of these same issues and it was so sad to watch helplessly. You have a precious idea to give tribute to your grandfather, and your memories of him by doing a series. I will look forward to reading more.

[Zainab UF]

I'm sorry you had to go through what you did. Watching my grandfather was bad enough, but your mother...
Anyway, thanks for the heartfelt review.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

You're welcome.