On the Podcast: Poetry for the Dementia Journey

By Marianne Sciucco, New York, USA

In celebration of National Poetry Month, we hosted a gathering of poets on April 18th to share work inspired by their dementia experiences.

Why poetry?

We understand that storytelling, of any kind, but especially through poetry, lightens burdens.

For many caregivers, poetry can be a means of expression, of sharing their experience, opening hearts to joy, or drowning sorrows. Finding the right words to tell our stories can ease our journey. Reading the words of others can inspire us, give us strength, and let us know we are not alone.

Thirty+ poets!

The response to our initial invitation to a poetry reading was tremendous and better than we expected. More than 60 authors RSVP’d, and on the day of the reading more than 30 showed up to read and share their beautiful words and stories with honesty and grace. We shared laughter and tears, too.

Thirty+ poets is a lot of poets! And a lot of poems. We accommodated everyone by stretching the program out to two hours. Many poets got to read twice. What resulted is almost 2-hours of recorded poetry on the dementia journey, now available on our podcast in two episodes and on our YouTube channel.

Get out the tissues and start listening!

Episode One

Episode Two

Watch it on YouTube

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the emotional depth and clarity poetry brings to communicating Alzheimer’s experiences and emotions
• Learn from others’ unique dementia care journeys as they find solace in creative writing
• Foster greater awareness and reduce negative stereotypes associated with Alzheimer’s disease
• Acknowledge the importance of caregiver tenacity, personal growth, and self-nurturing in dementia care
• Connect with fellow Alzheimer’s caregivers and patients by exchanging personal narratives inspiring hope and understanding

Here are some of the comments we’ve received

• “The reading was heartfelt and healing. Thank you so much everyone!” Therese Halscheid
• “Thanks to the organizers and readers for a beautiful and healing session.” Mariana Mcdonald
• “I want to thank everyone for sharing so many superb poems revealing so much on such a difficult subject.” Walter Bargen
• “This was a wonderful, powerful, affirming reading. I want to thank AlzAuthors for organizing this. I am so grateful to all the brave voices who speak from a deep authority on Alzheimer’s/dementia.” Margaret Stawowy
• “Today I was privileged to be one of many poets associated with AlzAuthors on a conference call. To hear the shared words of their experiences similar to my own gave me a sense of unity. I felt part of a village. That’s what we are, really. We’re all part of the village, managing whatever life has given us. Never forget, whatever your life is, you are part of the village.” Rene Terry Mucci
• “This was so wonderful. I have been so touched by everyone’s words today. Keep writing!” Christy Byrne Yates
• “Remembering our loved ones like this always heals my heart.” Charlie Becker

Featured Poets

• Alan Bern
• Ann Campanella
• Annette Wick
• Caroline Johnson
• Charlie Becker
• Dorothy Horne
• Felicia Mitchell
• Joy Johnston
• Judith Lechner
• Kelly DuMar
• Lori Aden
• Margaret Stawowy
• Mariana Mcdonald
• Marion Cohen
• Marjorie Maddox
• Marsha Barber
• Mary Crescenzo
• Paul Sohar
• Pauletta Hansel
• Pauli Pedersen
• Rene Terry Mucci
• Sandra Berris
• Sherri Levine
• Steve Giblin
• Sue Fagalde Lick
• Susan J. Farese
• Therese
• Tom and Karen Brenner
• Tony Copeland-Parker
• Virginia Pasquarelli
• Walter Bargen

Resources

Storms of the Inland Sea: Poems of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving by Margaret Stawowy (Editor), Jim Cokas (Editor) Purchase here

Download our free booklet “Poetry for the Dementia Journey,” featuring 17 collections of poetry. Click on cover. https://bookhip.com/PPTHLLB

Please share this blog post across all of your caregiving networks: support groups (live and online), memory cafes, websites, newsletters, social media, etc.

Thank you.