Alzheimer's

You watch your loved one go away,
Though they're still close by.
They feel that they should know you--
But can't remember why.

You see them change day by day--
Simple things they cannot do.
Like dress themselves, read a book,
Or know that one plus one is two.

Sometimes they will exasperate you--
Sometimes they're meek and mild,
Sometimes you feel you're the parent
And they've become  your child.

As time goes by, all they remember
Are their long ago yesterdays.
They grow weaker and their minds
Are cloaked with a heavy haze.

You watch your loved one go away--
And you struggle not to cry--
And you know now as they breathe their last,
It's time to say goodbye.