Thursday, October 14, 2010

Migdalia 196 (more poetry)

While I was walking to the gym this morning for One Stop Workout (my get-out-of-30 Rock Live-popcorn free pass), I was stopped by an elderly woman on the street. She was terrified.

I did not go to the gym. 

"Migdalia 196"

you are home, Migdalia
(ay Dios mio oh my God)
they didn't leave you, they're only at work
see these pictures, Migdalia?
that's your face, and your niece
no, you can't call your husband anymore
check the numbers, Migdalia
(196? that's my house)
touch your Jesus, remember your couch

you don't work here? -- I'm so sorry
do I live here? -- oh, please help me
I was sleeping and I have to get home

you are home, Migdalia
(oh my God oh my God)
they didn't leave you, they're only at work
see these pictures, Migdalia?
that's your face, and your niece
no, you can't call your husband anymore
check the numbers, Migdalia
(196? that's my house)
touch your Jesus, remember your couch

Alzheimer's is cruel.

2 comments:

  1. How sad - were you able to help her, or get her to someone who could?

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  2. I was able to find her house (one of three things she knew was her street address) and take her inside. Couldn't find any address book or phone numbers to call for her. She wouldn't stay inside because she didn't believe it was her house, so I called 911 to come secure her. A neighbor said she lives with her son, who works in Manhattan, so she's alone during the day.

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