The Visits

I'd wonder "what is she thinking"? when I visited her each day
Although she still remembered me, she was like a child at play
Once so pretty, prim and neat, make up, perfect hair
Until disease consumed her life, her body weak and frail
She didn't know where she lived, what day, what time, what year
She couldn't remember if she ate, and didn't even care
Who was this person I once knew? whose life became unkind
As cancer killed her body and dementia killed her mind
It still was her, my mother, this love I knew so well
I still saw sparkles in hr eyes, my mother in a shell
But time went on and she got worse, I knew she couldn\'t stay
I told her Jesus has your hand, so go it is okay!
You'll see my Dad, your Mom and Pop, your dogs of years gone by
I now it's time to let you go, it's time to say goodbye
So rest in peace, dear mother, and keep the memory of
The times I visited ever day with tears and so much love.

by Anne Tredici, age 65, Monroe Township , NJ