A Poem About My Wife
By Phil Sharman
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
