Alzheimer’s

I wrote this to a poetry prompt on “memory.” Not much else to say about it.

Alzheimer’s

Originally written November 14, 2020

“What time is it, m’dear? Ah—eight o’clock.
I’d best be getting Julie off to school.”
“Oh Mom, I think we have to have a talk.”

“School isn’t far—it’s just around the block.
She can’t be tardy—it’s against the rules!
What time is it m’dear? Ah, eight o’clock.

“I hope her bag’s not heavy on her walk—”
“Oh, come on, Mom, stop talking like a fool!
Oh Mom, I think we have to have a talk.”

“She is so bright—so proud as a peacock—”
“Oh, Mother, let me wipe away that drool.”
“What time is it, m’dear? Ah—eight o’clock.

“Always so happy, ’til she met that jock—
But ah, you know how boys can be so cruel.”
“Yes, I remember. Mom, we have to talk.”

“I hope my Julie wears her nicest frock
To school today, my precious Julie-jewel—
What time is it, m’dear? Ah—eight o’clock.”
“Oh Mom, *I’m* Julie. And—we have to talk.”