A Poem About My Wife
Where have you gone?
Why did you leave?
You could not tell me.
I watched you leaving
In your mind always with me
In my mind you slipping away
Little things
Forgotten skills
Confusing words.
Once you dressed yourself
Used a knife and a fork
Then dignity slipped away.
Once we slept together
Then you slept by day
And I worried by night.
You Walked into town alone
Enjoying your independence
But friends found you and returned you.
We planned to tour the world
Each able to play our part
Now those dreams are gone
Others your family now.
Many share your condition
Some care for you as I wish I could
When I visit Your face lights up
But words do not come.
Your eyes ask how I am
Your touch compassionate
Your lips still passionate.
We sit together
Words from me
Smiles from you
Cruel dementia
Stealing your memories
But leaving mine.
