Rochelle M. Anderson: Aphasia and the Apple

Published on December 16, 2021

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By Rochelle M. Anderson

Fifteen years ago I suffered a stroke and aphasia. I am still getting better! During the pandemic, I found out that writing poetry might be a way to improve one’s recovery after a stroke/aphasia.

Here is an example of one of my poems.

Aphasia and the Apple

 

Aphasia is like an apple

Fallen from a tree in a windstorm

Blackened, rotting, decomposing, worm- and ant-eaten

Without therapy, family, and friends, life is over

 

Another apple tree slowly grew taller in the sun

Fruit was ruby red, delicious, sweet, and tangy

When ripe, huge bite, breathtakingly juicy

Hard work and poetry bring another chance

 

Aphasia gets better, never giving up

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