This last week I started something new in our memory care unit. We had our first poetry circle. This idea was not my own, but one I picked up from reading, The Montessori Method for Connecting to People with Dementia , (Tom & Karen Brenner. Jessica Kingsley Publishers). I was amazed at what the residents created.

The following is one of their poems.

A Man Living Here

To be a man in this place Never can be a disgrace A victory shall always discover As I seek to be a lover Which normally occurs as strong And never will I be wrong The women they seem so wise And have the power to surprise I am very comfortable I enjoy the part I play I am not dump-able I hope you see my way

Authors: Wilson, Pat, Gigi, and Mary

I wish I could provide actual pictures (HIPPA no no) in order to show the emotion and joy on their faces as they realized they can still be creative, humorous, and insightful. Next week we are going to write poetic prayers. Stay tuned.