Heather Browne Poet Free verse

The Hours of Alzheimer

The Hours of Alzheimer 

12
It starts ticking away slowly
Longer needed to search what’s  known.
Watching the hand jerk 
Minutes passing
“Twelve is for noon, then?”
“Yes.  Yes, Daddy!  Just like that. 
  Twelve noon is lunch.” 


3
Very gently, oh so sweetly,
Out of love and kindest thought
Offering words and filling fissures
Keeping pace and instant beating
“The,     oh, you know, the       oh how silly, the     the box thing”
“Yes, the box thing, the clock,  Daddy.  Says it’s 3 and time for tea.”  


6
Now impatience starts its tapping
Chasms stretching longer still
Wanting this moment
 to stop its running
“I       I       please      fork       I     I   food”
“Oh, of course, dear Daddy.  Dinner time.  
  Here, your fork. ”          


9  
Interval waxing
Memory waning
Lingering in the distance
This cavity expanding 
“ I                   I       I            I”
“Oh it’s last course time Daddy.  Some dessert, then time for bed.”


12
Midnight falling
Thoughts abandoned
Cadence silent
Dead of night

First published: Poetry Quarterly

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Paul Callus March 17, 2014 at 5:01 PM Very well written. How sad too; will we get to that point? it will be a point of no return, but who will suffer most? // paul Heather Browne March 17, 2014 at 5:31 PM Paul, Thank you! It is so common now. I pray none of us or those we love! Blessings!

Louise Holley March 17, 2014 at 4:04 PM This is such a touching poem. The words describe the frustration and loss felt from both sides. Beautifully written. Going in my faves. x Heather Browne March 17, 2014 at 5:33 PM Oh Louise...thank you! I am so glad! I think you are my first! I am honored! Blessings and peace!