Barriers
She was drunk, struggling to articulate
Lengthy pauses before each sentence
Halting, frustrated speech.
I’ve seen this before
She fights to be conscious, despite the sleeping pill
Her mind heavy
Her body stubborn
Her tongue a lead weight.
I’ve seen this before
She is deep in the throes of neurological degeneration
Lips uncooperative
Forcing thoughts through the thick walls
Of her solid-shrunk brain.
All of them demanding to be heard,
To be understood
Willing their selves past mental barriers
Deliberately balancing simple words
Like a child stacks blocks
With their fullest effort.
Fresh Hell 
Beautifully raw poetry, Sarah! Brilliantly expressed 🙂
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I remember trying to stack blocks
After the tenth shacky shot
My tower would fall with a little knock
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Wow, I don’t remember that far back! I do remember being fascinated by those standing wire mazes with the wooden marbles on them though.
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For me, it wasn’t that long ago. I had to learn to stack blocks after my strokes. It was a hard task for me. 😉🤗🤔♥️
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Oh! Then you know all about barriers ❤ I'm glad you're able to type now
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Yes I’m still relearning…..
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Just finished reading a story about a boy who mistook a stroke victim for a drunk (and the positive impact it had on him not to judge people).
Hoe, wish you a full recovery.
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The Joanne, I’m still recovering, and my progress is going well….. this has been my third stroke, and I’m feeling blessed to be active and able to write again
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This one hit home. Well done.
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