Staring Dementia in the Face

The world in these poems is constricted by the demands of tending to a mother in cognitive decline, who talks to her daughter in "a circular spin," a welter of tears, accusations, and delusions. Musselman writes clearly about the strain of juggling intense caretaking and daily life. Certainly, there is grief for all that is being lost and for the pain in this family's past. As the poet's voice carries readers through the shocking and wistful moments in her mother's end-of-life struggles, fear is balanced by gentle humor-providing essential and humane relief. Those who have cared for a loved one with dementia will, by turns, shudder or nod at the emotional accuracy of this collection. It's a book to be read with your heart.

-Jayne Marek, author of In and Out of Rough Water and The Tree Surgeon Dreams of Bowling

Staring Dementia in the Face ​chronicles Lylanne Musselman's stunning poetry exploring the challenges of caring for a mother in decline who "doesn't think she needs anyone / to stay with her, to take care of her - / make sure she eats, make sure she takes meds." The poet approaches dementia with an honest and insightful voice-filled with grief, loss, and love.

-Leah Huete de Maines, Poet-in-Residence Emerita at Northern Kentucky University