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