Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer’s Disease

I am so pleased that my poem, "Equations," is included in this wonderful anthology: Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer’s Disease, Holly Hughes, editor. Kent State University Press, 2009

From the publisher: This is a literary collection that illumines the darkness of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is now estimated to affect one in two persons over the age of eighty and is being diagnosed in people as young as fifty. For the many people now trying to cope with a loved one suffering from this tragic disease, this collection will provide solace and valuable insight for family members as well as for those in the medical community who work with anyone afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. "Beyond Forgetting" is a unique collection of poetry and short prose about Alzheimer's disease written by 100 contemporary writers - doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice workers, daughters, sons, wives, and husbands - whose lives have been touched by the disease. Through the transformative power of poetry, their words enable the reader to move 'beyond forgetting', beyond the stereotypical portrayal of Alzheimer's disease to honor and affirm the dignity of those afflicted. With a moving foreword by poet Tess Gallagher, this anthology forms a richly textured literary portrait encompassing the full range of the experience of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Because the writers share their personal stories as well as their poems and prose, this collection will be a valuable companion to anyone embarking on this difficult journey. In their honest, deeply moving, and compassionate portrayals, the voices collected here help illumine the darkness of this passage and help us see, as one of the contributors put it, 'the unlikely light shining deep within it'.

W.S. Merwin Wins Pulitzer for Poetry (his second win)

The Shadow of Sirius
By: W.S. Merwin
Copper Canyon Press

The nuanced mysteries of light, darkness, temporality, and eternity interweave throughout Merwin's newest collection of poems. "I have only what I remember," he admits, and his memories are focused and profound - well-cultivated loves, the distinct qualities of autumnal light, memories of Pennsylvania miners, a conversation with a boyhood teacher, and "our long evenings and astonishment." From the universe's chiaroscuro shadows, Merwin once again calls upon the language of surprise to illuminate existence. He is writing at the peak of his powers.

—from the publisher

National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month! Buy books of poetry, attend poetry readings, write poems, hand out poems to friends and neighbors...there are so many ways to celebrate!

Writer's Digest is sponsoring A Poem A Day Challenge featuring prompts by Robert Lee Brewer of Poetic Asides.

And check out the post at Poets.org that features Poetry 101:Resources for Beginners.