On Day 7 of World Alzheimer’s Month #WAM, also now referred to by many people and organisations as Dementia Awareness Month #DAM and World Dementia Month, we continue to highlight stories about, or by our members, who all live with a diagnosis of dementia. Today we are delighted to publish a beautiful poem written by DAI member, Thomas Ong, from Singapore.
It is such a beautiful poem. Thank you Thomas.
Hai Oh
By THomas Ong
Hai Oh so beautiful in its smooth flight
Lifting itself high into the silky sky
Against the azure blue background in delight
Spreading its wings and soaring high
Swaying from right to left before flying onward
Searching for its ideal favourite place
With his companions flying in harmony forward
Sharing the wide horizon in euphonic grace
Hai Oh you inspire me to keep on going
Like you to be strong and brave
Flying while strong waves and winds are blowing
Believing like you I can achieve what I crave
The distance may appear to be great
The objective may not be too clear
But like you Hai Oh I feel it is a treat
To be able to soar towards it without fear
To reach it is a great delight
Having soared and glided with wings outspread
Before superbly swerving down to end its flight
So as to achieve at the end my reward
My reward is simply the immense satisfaction
Like you Hai Oh of having glided and flown
With wings outspread without distraction
Gliding towards my target swiftly and smoothly alone
Hai Oh! Hai Oh! You are so full of energy
Never seeming to stop your creativity
I wish to have your fantastic vitality
To carry on and on in spite of my disability
You inspire me with the effective method you employ
Swooping swiftly down and picking up your objective
I would like to imitate you Hai Oh with great joy
My reward is solving my problems and being creative.
It is a great delight
Having soared with wings spread and gliding forward
Before superbly swerving down to end the flight
So as to achieve the much desired reward
My reward is the great satisfaction
Like the Hai Oh of having flown
With wings outspread without distraction
Gliding smoothly and swiftly though wind blown
Hai Oh! Hai Oh! You are full of energy
Never seems to end your exciting creativity
I wish I have your remarkable and skilful ability
To carry on and on in spite of my inadequacy
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