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But who are you?
What is it that is so familiar?
Some way that you stand - or walk -
some angle of the way you sit -
Or push your hand to arrange
the beautiful hair
that floats upon your shoulder.
You greet me with such enthusiasm,
smiling - everything you do
tells me that you know me -
why don't I know you?
This agnosia is like a dyslexia -
an affliction.
If you had a huge, ignoble nose
or a mouth of cruel distortion
there would be no problem -
but pleasant regularity of feature
defeats me.
A small part of my brain that gives me grief.
I'm sure I know you very well....
But who are you?
© by Rhona Aitken.
Used with the author's permission.
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Rhona Aitken (1925 - 2018) lived all over the world during the course of her life. The author of The Memsahib's Cookbook, which she wrote while living in India and for which she also provided all of the illustrations, Rhona and her husband, Gordon, owned and operated a hotel in the U.K. for many years. After that venture, they bought an old-world house and turned it into a thriving restaurant. Rhona had three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom inherited her love for travel. For the last few years of her life, she lived in a nursing home in Exmouth, England, where she wrote poetry, painted, shared Your Daily Poem every morning with her fellow residents, and continued to travel—on her 3-wheeler—as long as she was able.
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Leslie Jenkins:
I do not mind so much having this affliction. I went for half a lifetime not knowing it until I took the face blind test. It makes you a noticer. You must notice small details and be friendly to all who smile at you. I remember voices well. I remember the personal gestures and carriage of people. All good practice for getting along in life.
Posted 05/18/2024 01:12 PM
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barbsteff:
Good poem, thanks. I love your perception that "Life is hilariousâ¦"
Posted 03/13/2017 04:05 PM
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Michael:
Well-done Rhona
I was unaware of this condition until I read your superbly crafted poem. Thank you.
Posted 03/13/2017 10:07 AM
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DavidTookey:
Powerful poem. Interesting note: The American artist Chuck Close suffers from this disorder. Yet, he is most famous for his huge paintings of faces. (It is thought that this is why he paints this way.)
Posted 03/13/2017 09:46 AM
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Jancan:
This is very moving. Janice
Posted 03/13/2017 08:53 AM
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Jim Ellis:
This is a beautiful poem. I especially love the last two lines - so tender. Wonderful, Rhona. - Jim Ellis, Auburn/NY
Posted 03/13/2017 06:09 AM
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