Goodbye

I knew that I was losing him And then he was gone. No goodbye, no tears Gone to me forever, As if our memories together Were a dream I had Over the years. When he forgot my birthday And saw my hurt An afterthought was given-too late. And when he called me by another woman's name I felt such fear Confusion, And hate. He became distant, then close Together then miles apart Vague, then himself, I was lost. Lost interest in his kids Staring for hours into space I did not know what was happening I did not know the cost. Now I must let go Realising he belongs here and I'm trying not to cry. The nurse puts her arms around me. Dementia has taken him. I touch his face, squeeze his hand and Gently say goodbye.