A Thief in the Night: Poetry as Self-Care

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Keywords:

disease, Alzheimer’s, resilience, poetry

Abstract

I wrote this poem to capture the painful feelings of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s. It expresses both the heartbreak and disappointment associated with the journey, but it also highlights the unexpected joys that arise along the way. For those living with Alzheimer’s, I have come to understand how much remains unknown about their innate traits—traits that encourage learning, resilience, and even moments of success. I believe it is important not to place limits on their capabilities, even in the later stages of the disease.

Author Biography

Laurie Blackman, Yeshiva University

Laurie Blackman, PhD, LMSW is Clinical Associate Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (laurie.blackman@yu.edu).

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Published

2025-09-29

How to Cite

Blackman, L. (2025). A Thief in the Night: Poetry as Self-Care. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 31(3), 84–85. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2115

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