I wish you'd remember

I look into your eyes and see every kiss, whisper and word you experienced. I can see the joy in your eyes when you get gifts, your after eights. I can see the glaze in your eyes, a wall stopping you from seeing us. You say you don't know us but I know every kiss and hug you gave me. You say you want to go home, but this has to be your new home. I look at your face and see bits and pieces of what you used to be. You can't see us for what we used to be, we’re strangers to you and currently for now and forever we seem to be. I look at your weary skin, laid on the bones in front of us, stretched and laid beyond belief. I knew you yesterday but today, you don't know me.

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I made this about watching someone I knew slowly disappear to dementia. In that way I lost that person multiple times as they forgot me long before they actually passed. It was the little things about them that I keep at heart and I remember writing this poem within my head while in the room with them. Then when I got to the car I opened my phone notes and jotted it all down like reading a script from my head. Don't forget to love those you love while you can.

Signing off, Chloe.