Second Childhood

As a child he loved to watch cartoons

Scooby Doo, the Flintstones, and Bugs Bunny too

All of their antics were such a delight

He laughed and he giggled… oh, what a sight

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This little boy grew up to be a man

A famous architect who could draw up a plan

His buildings were famous all over world

And his love for designs that were brazen and bold

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He raised a family and had five children

Loved them dearly and wished for a dozen

As time went on he became a proud grandpa

To twelve little munchkins who loved their Pa Pa

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From time to time he became forgetful

Couldn’t remember names always regretful

It soon became apparent it was his dementia

But the grandchildren didn’t care about Pa Pa’s absencia

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Time finally came when he reverted back to childhood

With stories and tales of once being Robin Hood

But on Saturday morning with kids in the room

Now as a child he loves watching cartoons

Today at d’Verse Peter, asked us to write a circle poem that begins where it ends and ends where it begins. Last week I commented to my wife that when I grow old I am going to enjoy watching cartoons again! This led me to the poem I wrote today. All of us are affected in some way by people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia. It often takes away present memories, leaving only memories of past days or childhood. So, as you see we come full circle in our life at times.

Join us at: https://dversepoets.com

Photo: Dwight L. Roth – Taken on Rootle – PBS TV

63 thoughts on “Second Childhood

  1. I’ve covered this topic as well. My friends mom relives her 20s school, meeting and dating her husband. My friend said, if you have to have Alzheimer’s/dementia what is better than reliving your most happiest moments in your life, those were for her mother. This was a good poem on the subject, Dwight.

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  2. The transition into old age, into second childhood, accepted without fear, cocooned in a family’s love, seems almost painless. And cartoons to bookend a life — who can complain if it’s as simple and carefree as that.

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  3. Aye, often a fact of life where one begins life in diapers and eating mushy food and when one is old, it ends the same. It is difficult to say the least, to watch one’s parents succumb. And scary, because one may also follow that route! Doesn’t bear thinking about! Thank you for honouring those who travel the dementia road.

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