For Trifextra 85.
Remember the apostrophe? About.com defines apostrophe as, “A figure of speech in which some absent or nonexistent person or thing is addressed as if present and capable of understanding.”
As others have been brave enough to mention they did not know of this alternate definition of apostrophe, I’ll echo that. I thought it was merely a punctuation mark. I love learning new things!
I’ve commandeered the title from Nabokov’s memoir of the same name. Highly recommended if you haven’t read it.
Memory, where do you think you’re going?
Who is this actor playing my daughter?
She claims I’ve wandered.
I am not a dog in need of a chain.
I lack only your map.
Thanks for reading!
restraint unfettered 
Oh, Steph. Such powerful impact in 33 words. Beautifully original and so moving.
Thank you, Jo-Anne for your always supportive comments. I appreciate it.
I am right there with you! Loved this ode to that elusive thing!
Memory is allusive, illusive, and elusive in the best of circumstances. Thanks, Gina.
This is sad, when memory fades so much one forgets something so precious.
It’s gut-wrenching to watch. And you think to yourself, be happy, if at all possible, every day of your life. Take it all in. Savor the moments. You just never know…
Well, that hit home… I’ve been wondering where Memory has been of late… only I have 2 daughters. I liked this.
Thanks, Ted. I like your comment. Much appreciated.
Yikes. I like how you portrayed this confusion. I can definitely visualize the scene.
best,
MOV
I’ve been witness to the scene. Not my family, but a friend’s. It’s heartbreaking. Thanks for the comment, MOV.
Wonderful writing – so true and poignant.
It is sad when you see it, and it happens all too frequently.. thanks for the nice comment, Sarah Ann.
So touching and emotional Steph!Memory is like a whisper -specially as one ages,it becomes more and more elusive but it must be so terrible for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or something like that 😦
Losing Memory is only the beginning. Gosh, the trauma the family goes through when the behavior becomes erratic is tough to say the least. Thanks, Atreyee.
True-i cannot even begin to envisage how ity must be-not to be remembered! 😦
Not a dog in need of a chain… Definitely packs a whammy, Steph! Great shot of the “other” side.
Thanks, Kymm… it does pack a whammy.. I like that description of the other side.
Love the phrase – I lack only your map. Beautiful!
Thanks for that, Momo.
This is sad and beautiful. Well done.
Thank you for linking up!
” I lack only your map” – great line – glimpses of time scattered over – which ones make the perfect necklace, which ones just a cluster, who knows?
Sad and profound, Steph.
This is heartbreaking and so real. You packed such a full story in these 33 words. Beautifully done.
I love that last line – it speaks of a kind of desperation. Very nicely done.