Love Poem: Alzheimer's
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Written by: Ann Gilmour

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s 
is the cruellest disease  
tiptoeing silently
inside your head
devouring your mind
slowly 
bit by bit
until there is nothing left of it

The family are feeling so helpless
watching their loved one fall into decline
it is breaking their hearts
to witness the change
wishing they could turn back time

To see their beloved 
turn in on themselves
slowly enter another world
wanting so much to hold on to them
as slowly their brain comes unfurled

No longer able to do simple tasks
getting muddled and so confused
but ask them about their childhood - their past
they return with a smile
as if waiting to be asked

So please don’t despair
they are inside somewhere
just waiting to hear the right question
a song 
a book 
a photograph
can bring their smile back into action

Look into their eyes as you speak each day
be tactile with kisses and hugs 
do things that they loved and enjoyed in the past
read them a book
sing them a song
to awaken their memories of days long gone
they may give you a smile 
or maybe a look 
that says… 
thank you for reading my favourite book 

Talk gently and softly don't heighten your tone
letting them know they’ll not face this alone

Make memories to cherish before they depart
a life shared together is with you forever
in your mind - in your spirit - in your heart


Written for my dear sister-in-law - 2018

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Copyright © Ann Gilmour | Year Posted 2018