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.
But I know you know that we were one –
I heard the word – ‘Darling’ you said.

You lie so quiet on your bed,
I pause – you do not turn your head.