Only Half A Life

A poem inspired after a heartfelt conversation recently with somebody very special to me who is suffering from dementia: 💙

Only Half A Life

I want to chat with you of the special times we shared
I know you have dementia, but my heart was not prepared
It only feels like yesterday when we’d chat away the hours
You’d share your love of gardening and name a multitude of flowers

“They’ve locked me up in prison”
Such sad words you said to me
Your mind, it may be waning
Yet still aware you are not free
You said you’ve “only half a life”
Memories trapped inside your mind
The keys been lost, at such a cost
Oh how I wish we could rewind

You said you feel a burden
On those who love and hold you dear
As I heard those words on the end of the phone
I shed a silent tear
For the only burden I can see
Is this heartless, cruel disease
That has robbed you of  you’re wondrous life
And brought you to your knees

Maxine Bailey
©️ 25th June 2023