We lost mum a couple of years ago now but she had lived with dementia for several years before that. As it’s national poetry day I decided to share a poem I’d written.

 

Dementia

You know your first name

But not your surname

You know where you feel safe

But don’t know your address.

You recognise your husband

But not your children.

You eat the food you are given

But don’t know what you like to eat.

You know when you are uncomfortable

But don’t know when you want to go to the toilet.

You watch the TV

But have no idea what programme you have just watched.

You smile when you are shown a baby

But have no idea he’s your great grandson.

You drink tea

But don’t know if you take sugar.

 

 

You are alive

But you are not living