An Alzheimer's Poem

"Do not ask me to remember,

Don't try to make me understand,

Let me rest and know you're with me,

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand,

I'm confused beyond your concept,

I am sad and sick and lost,

All I know is that I need you to be

with me at all cost,

Do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry,

I cannot help the way I am acting,

Can't be different though I try,

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone,

Please don't fail to stand beside me,

Love me 'til my life is done."