An amazing work, sharp with realism and soft with compassion, just like life in general. The last line is a knockout punch.

Sharing poetry is a wonderful way to live together, isn't it? 'Be confident in your own 'philosophy' and share it honestly' was the best advice I ever got.

Love the FIRST comment from your daughter! No wonder she's proud. My family shares my work too.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Mark,and indeed to anyone who liked my poem and left comments,my confidence in my ability to write has had a huge boost.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

The first line is strong and the last line is (in my opinion) stronger. In between it is personal, original and screams authenticity.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A lovely write. The first line is the strongest for me. I often what sort of place dementia sufferers go to, is it safe etc.
Incredibly brave to get this down on paper in such a balanced way. Well done Patricia! And of course for POTW.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A great poem Patricia. It's never nice to see that happen someone close to you I saw my own father suffer with dementia before he died and he was completely changed.
You seem to have captured it all well with both a touch of humour and some grace.
A well deserved POTW Congratulations

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Colin for such positive comments about the poem and the friendly welcome too.
Both my daughter and myself are enjoying the opportunity to let others read our poetry,and having my poem picked for poem of the week has been a great confidence booster.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

such a great pick for POTW, the last line in particular resonates with me for personal reasons having had a relative who was kept stable on lithium until she felt better, then took herself off and the whole spiralling descent into manic behaviour would manifest itself resulting in sectioning, rehab, back home, lithium... She finally found quiet in her own way, may she rest in peace.

I must have missed this one when you first posted it although I did pick up on your following poem. May I say, it's good to have both you and your daughter here on WoL. I've been dipping in and out of both your blogs and enjoying them immensely. And with N.Ireland in the forefront of the news once again it's even more of a bonus for us.

all the best
Colin

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you for such positive comments Dominic and Julian.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Congratulations Patricia. Familiar, evocative and terribly hard. I think Julian has it right, very moving, well written and brave. Best wishes, Dom.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Very moving, very well written, very brave. Thank you for sharing your superb poem with us all.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Kevin.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

We'll deserved POTW .very honest, and couldn't have been an easy write. Your daughter has every right to be proud.
Kevin

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Seanin,
I wasn't expecting it to be made poem of the week,I'm really rather chuffed,it has given me a little burst of confidence.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Very proud daughter here! Well done, mum - it's an incredibly honest and evocative piece.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman