Dentals and Fricatives
she has learned to speak again
or so i was told
lips moving in clouded atrophy
around dentals and fricatives
her heart winding its alarm clock
pausing just half past the hour
to take stock
of the drooling conglomerate
which once housed a reed
joy across octaves
her voice, a magnet
physical therapy at half past
she dreads pitying looks
charted notes
and though she sputters words as directed
she can also chant them
her under-exercised voice clear
on A flat
"F___ you--there's a fricative for you"
Audrey Howitt
© 2016 Audrey Howitt
Comments
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on December 17, 2016:
Thank you Deb!
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on September 16, 2016:
That is so hard Rasma--love and patience--thank you for your visit and kind words!
Deb Hirt on September 04, 2016:
I think THAT clearly says it all. Excellent.
Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on August 27, 2016:
Most emotional poetry. It is a journey that is so difficult. Makes me think of my mom. As much as I miss her I know she is happier being with my dad. Toward the end of her life I was asked so many difficult questions such as - Where was I born? Where is my younger sister? This from my mom who once of course knew where I was born and that I was an only child.
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 26, 2016:
I think we all wonder that Flourish--I know that I do too--thank you for your kind words!
Thank you Vellur!
Nithya Venkat from Dubai on August 25, 2016:
Touched my heart, powerful filled with emotion.
FlourishAnyway from USA on August 24, 2016:
Loved it. All too familiar with it with some of the people in my life. sometimes I look at them and see little semblance, caricatures even of the people they once were. And of course I wonder if that's the way I'm headed too.
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 24, 2016:
I love senior moments! I did find it! Thank you!
Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on August 24, 2016:
I meant "Embracing My Inner Crone" not "Accepting." Just one of those senior moments. I'm glad to see you found the poem anyway.
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 24, 2016:
Thank you Catherine! Will do!
Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on August 24, 2016:
It's true age robs us of so much, but it gives us new talents as well. If you get a chance, take a look at my poem "Accepting My Inner Crone." It is posted here on HubPages. It's light poetry, meant to be funny.
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 24, 2016:
Thank you Audrey! I wish I did too!
Frank, you are kind--thank you!
Frank Atanacio from Shelton on August 24, 2016:
Loved it Audrey.. Loved It!!!!
Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on August 24, 2016:
My interpretation - the awful truth about dementia. My younger sister has dementia. Sadly it has stolen our relationship. My heart aches for the sister I once knew. Your poem is full of empathy and understanding...I wish I had more of both.
Audrey Howitt (author) from California on August 23, 2016:
Thank you AliciaC! I hesitated to put this one up here, but dementia isn't always pretty. It can be wrenching--
Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 22, 2016:
This is powerful and very sad, Audrey. I hope this isn't the case, but it sounds like you're talking about someone that you know. Though the situation was a little different, your poem reminds me about the problems faced by someone that I knew in my past. Thank you for sharing the very effective poem.
