That Strange Land (Poetry)

Ironic how life takes that sudden twist —
the exact moment sidles past unnoticed
missed in the stresses and strains of day to day
when it happens — turns the normal order on its head
plans go West and roles reverse — the child no longer child
but takes control — reluctant — rules instead.

While Mother frails — becomes an infant and forgets
so much of what a full life taught — memories
detach themselves like false limbs since declared
never part of her. Strangers visit — fill a vacant place —
odd fancies haunt her — muddle as she frets
to find a name — identify a face.

The once-protected now the one who must protect
like unkind fate is mocking from the wings
and showing a cracked mirror of ourselves —
how images distort the truth in things —
the mind is hidden always and long shadows slide
round the clock — deep-chill the thoughts ticking on —
                                wound anxiously inside.

Providing care for one who once was carer —
the weight of love balanced out with conscience
as a nerve-wracked counter-measure
is a duty hard to shirk or walk away from. Loyalty links us —
binds more than just our blood or friendship’s sympathies —
we try to somehow soothe the nightmares shared — hold hands
in that strange land so suddenly full of dark.