words gradually disappeared
erased from the paper of memory
the sun and moon lost their shine
flowers their scent
there was no taste of honey
there were no colours
no abstract noun for the feeling I get
when you smile at me
there was no name to call out
from the depths
of a night-
mare
what if?
Kim M. Russell, 30th August 2018
My response to Poets United Midweek Motif ~ What if . . . ?
Susan says ‘What if . . . ?’ is a wondering question; it could be speculation, anticipation or regret. On the one hand, she says it leads her to science fiction and fantasy; on the other, it leads her to strategize like a chess player, a teacher or a writer. She wants to know where it leads us?
Our challenge is to write a new poem that poses “What if” questions. We don’t have to use the exact words nor do we need to provide answers.
writing in north norfolk 
I love the power the abstract noun gets, after you compare it to some of life’s loveliest pleasures. The thought of losing something so vital would be… terrifying.
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It’s what happened to my mum and my granddad. It’s what I fear the most.
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I understand. None of the diseases I live with terrifies more than the possibility of forgetting who I am and what makes me appreciate the people I love… and who love me back. Your fear is shared.
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This would be a terrifying loss for sure.
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Pondering the loss of such things definitely makes us appreciate them while we have them. I really liked this poem! Sorry I was slow getting here. Have been under the weather this week.
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Thank you, Sherry, and I’m sorry to hear you’ve been under the weather. I hope you’re feeling much better now.
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O, yes, from universe to the individual, if all blinked out–such good choices. You left me sitting in he dark, alone. Very moving!
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Thank you for reading and commenting!
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What if life becomes a blank page…oh can’t think of it. Nicely put.
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Thank you, Sumana.
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I dread this too as my mum did. Unfortunately it became a reality for her and my hubs’s memory has been fading since he was forty-nine. Most of the time he still recognises me and I hang onto that.
Anna :o]
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Anna, you have my deepest sympathy. I’ve experienced it with my mother and my grandfather, who had Pick’s disease.
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Thanks Kim. My hubs has Pick’s – he is now 69.
Anna :o]
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This is incredibly evocative Kim ❤ especially touched by “no abstract noun for the feeling I get when you smile at me”.. sigh .. Beautifully executed!
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Thank you kindly, Sana! 🙂
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