Poem - for My Father (With Alzheimer's)
Do you remember you love me?
Do you remember I love you too?
You always took care of us
Now we will take care of you
The winter of life is upon us
The chill freezing your mind
Each morning brings the thaw
Unlocking old pleasures to find
Every day brings back your life
Your loves covered in dew
Glistening, awakening flowers
Bringing their joys to you
Everyone mired in routine
Unhappy, bored, and cynical
You, now the forever child
Tingling, stuttering yet lyrical
Leaves never forget to fall
They remind of the season
The sun remembers to rise
Giving your life reason
Through your eyes I see
Your new vision is a gift
You awaken to a rebirth
As through my life I sift
Don't be sad my father
It is you who is pure
In this I now believe
Of this I'm now sure
Let me be your journey
Let me be your destination
Your perpetual discovery
The cocoon of your creation
Take your baby steps
I will hold your hand
I am you; You are me
The shifting time of sand
As you crawl, I still learn
Your lessons of truth survive
Even as you forget your cup
You now how to be alive
Together we relive the past
I want to hear what you say
Speak of triumph and trouble
And to the Lord I will pray
You showed me how to live
Today a new lesson is taught
The blessing of rediscovery
A gift that cannot be bought
I will embrace the affliction
Startling me in my slumber
I pray others can learn too
All our days are numbered
Let your world come alive
On this your dignity depends
Every day take the chance
To trust family and friends
