After The Stroke Comments

It's quite a while since I went through Poemhunter and read any of your poems - delighted with 'After the Stroke' - it's both moving and funny - exactly the emotions that affect us all in these situations. It is wonderful that you have clearly roused these two very human reactions in this poem. I hope your mum has recovered from the stroke. Thank you for your comments on my poems - unlike you, I'm not a member of a writing group, so have to wait for the muse to visit me to produce!

This is the kind of poem which is difficult to simply brush over. Having a parent who has also suffered a stroke, it hits quite a bit closer to home, although the ability to speak coherently was not lost in my parent's case, just volume and the quality of his voice.

A few months ago I sat with a friend of thirty years and your poem pretty much described that time perfectly. Thank you I think life is about our togethernes as much as it is about anything. Paddy

Not long ago I spent three hours with my dearest friend of thirty years and today I read this and it is a perfect description of those three hours. Thank you for your poem Paul-

Not long ago I spent three hours with my dearest friend of thirty years and today I read this and it is a perfect description of those three hours. Thank you for your poem Paul-

yes, this is happening paul..this means there is a little damage in her brain..in this situation, she needs complete love and complete care with complete understanding...patience should be there...i like the flow of this entry..i like this...

i agree with Susan whole-heartedly...you really have a fine touch.. and for your mother and for all of us.. i hope we never lose our sense of humour no matter how illogical it may turn out to be...

This expressive and beautifully written piece encapsulates that heart-rending visit many of us will relate to. It whispers softly of love, respect and loss, all with a subtle sensitivity that you do so well, Paul. The closing line sums up the essence of those feelings perfectly. This is an exemplary poem.

A good piece of narration Paul, sad meets happy, great read, regards Tom

wonderful narrative poem...................10

I really enjoyed this. It's intriguing how we can come to view our parent as just another human being; independent of our relationship with them. We outgrow the limitations of our family bonds with them, but in other ways we cannever leave that connection behind. Great writing.