sixty odd years of life and love bound
shared memories, joy and sorrow, laughter, experience partnered.
what can she do as reason unravels? as things are forgotten?
illogical demands, unreasonable ideas trying to take control.
finding solid ground in the confused space for him
perfectly reasonable to him
soul sapping for her.
you can say, “it’s not him, it’s something other
brain connections misfire. please just remember.”
but what if it were your lover, your partner in life, your very best friend?
would words fall so easily then?
advice feels better in the moment, but can be arrows in the heart.
just listen, let her speak through tears, let him tell stories when lucidity arrives.
let them know they are not alone, that life can still be celebrated
that good days will follow bad.
for what else can be done?
Heather Pound 2023
Heather Pound 