Dementia Love
You lie so quiet on your bed, You hear the sound and turn your head. I wait and hope, perhaps a chance, The faintest smile – I hold your glance But no – no hint of recognition. I press your lips and take your hand And move aside a greying strand – You seem surprised – there’s no embrace. The smallest incline of your head I close, my tears upon your face. ‘Who are you?’ ‘A friend’ I said. You lie so quiet on your bed, I enter soft, you turn your head. Your arms reach up and clasp and hold And in a trice the years unfold A tenderness of memory. A union of heart and mind The rapture when our bodies bind – You slump and break – the thoughts are gone Back with the demons in your head.