QUESTIONS
(Alzheimer's)

The weeping is unbearable-
But real, for her, I know.
And, why should fear be privileged
To occupy her soul?

There were so many happy days
Forgotten, now, forever.
The times of joy and tenderness,
These memories, are severed.

No more the good sound logic
I've known for all my life,
No more the wise and chosen words
That canceled fear and strife.

The photographs of dearly loved,
Now, images of strangers.
Life's made up-side-down for her,
By this dreaded re-arranger.

We count the minutes into hours
And finally to days.
How like this fiend to alter her,
Disguising her lovely ways.

Forgotten how to form the words
Or bring the words to phrases,
She bravely tries to carry on,
Hide the fears she daily faces.

All trials, here, are for our good.
But, what is strengthened here?
Is it for her, for me, for You_
What's gone on now for years?

The smile, I found so easily
And wore my whole life through,
Is found less often. And, I ask,
"Will I pass this way, too?"

©Joan Clifton Costner
Daughter of Alzheimer Patient