A Collection of poems by Holly

Holly writes: "​Poetry helped to vent my feelings and frustrations, plus to document the act of care-giving, progress of my Mum's dementia, entity of Covid upto and beyond the death of my Step-Father at home, and 'red light' my own mental crisis - which led to my change of role from Primary Carer (24/7 live-in) to Secondary Carer (supporting my brother, now non-resident Prime Carer, and the family and professional Care Teams)."

​My Mum's always been there

​My Mum’s always been there
With her caring smile,
Through good times and perverse.
My Mum’s always been there
Through every trial,
But dementia’s made our roles reverse.
My Mum’s always been there,
But now she’s rotting.  Damn this mental curse.

White Roses

Hitchinbrook Garden

Life on the wing and fin
Bustle around the refuge shade
In a sense-filled garden
Where cares are laid.

Strokes of rainbow radiance
Stir in shallows or suckle blooms,
Watched by eyes and anxious hearts
Fettered by gloom.

Abundant vigour drives
Coupled flight and busy bees,
Helping souls be hopeful
On days like these.

Dragonfly and pigeon
Settle a moment in repose,
Bathed in sunlight's healing
Rest, then rise.

In this peaceful garden
Oasis within medicinal storm,
Heightened senses find relief,
Easing the care worn.

I don't want to play scrabble...

How's your mum?

Someone enquires.
Memory stirs.
It hurts.
Please leave my grief untouched,
The pain's too much.
"Oh, she's still here."
But she's not.