my beloved first writing prof
had alzheimer’s in his old age
he had excellent care at a
nearby facility: one of his
nurses reported she’d found
him wandering with agitation
distraction, asked the matter:
“are you looking for something?
have you lost something?” chad
replied “I am looking for myself.”
2021 Jacqueline Jackson
This article appears in Route 66 Mother Road Festival drives in.
Jacqueline Jackson,
I read your work with great joy. Even the saddest poems reveal a profound depth of understanding.
I recall one of your poems, back in 2007, in which the red fox ran away. I, too, learned that song as a child! And there were more verses including the joyous finale:
A big bear passing by
He heard poor Reddy cry
He dried his tears
And led him home
Led poor Reddy home
No more, no more to roam!
And so as you listen to Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture you can be assured that there was, indeed, a happy ending!
Keep on writing, Jacqueline!
Shirley
skeech@gmail.com