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Sometimes I’m puzzled, for I just don’t know
Why such perfect strangers look at me so,
and write me simple notes and take my hand;
or speak to me of things they’ve planned
They’re always chattering about someone’s will
Then insist I take strange pills
But they’re strangers and don’t know me at all
I’ve no need of pills, nor a message wall
Next, they take a chair and sit beside me
Pull out old photographs for me to see
They’re all very nice with faces that smile
But they’re just strangers that visit a while
And when they leave, I begin to recall
memories of loved ones, why don’t they call?
Perhaps explain to me why I'm here;
for only strangers to bring me good cheer?
I know I’m aged, but I still have a life;
and I love and I cry and I miss my wife
I hope she knows I love her so
Sometimes I'm so puzzled, for where did she go?
I see her in my dreams most evr’y night
Then comes the sadness at first dawn’s light
Till my lady appears with a drink in her hand
"Take these pills," she demands
I smile, for I know that she loves me so
But still I am puzzled, for I just don’t know
why she says my guests will be here soon
and I will have lunch with them at noon
I then ask her if she is coming too
She tells me sweetly she’s much to do
and she can’t join me for lunch today;
but my sons and daughters are on their way
So confused am I, perhaps lost my mind
I begin to tear, but words I can’t find
My sons and daughters, family, and friends?
But she’s my wife and I don’t understand
Then she takes my hand and all she does say
"Sweet man, long ago, your wife passed away"
I tremble, and then close my eyes to recall;
but I can’t remember Ann dying at all
The lady now looks as the strangers before
Then more and more strangers walk through that door
They sit beside me and talk of yesterday’s news,
while opening a box with a pair of new shoes
And a photograph that I don’t recognize
"For your birthday, Dad, hope you’re surprised!"
They’re all very nice with faces that smile
But they are just strangers that visit a while
Sometimes I am so puzzled, for I don’t know
why I’m alone. Where did my wife go?
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Author Notes
Inspired by a writng prompt for Alzheimers.
Dedicated to my late brother, diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2000, he passed away tragically in 2006. Richard was admitted to an advanced Alzheimers care facility after becoming violent in 2003. In the fall of 2006, he took a lighter from the nurses station, went outside unattended, caught his robe on fire, and sustained third degree burns over 75 percent of his body. He was life- flighted to Dallas Parkland Hospital, where he passed away two hours later. He was 62 and up until 2003, never had a violent bone in his body. Such is this horrific disease.
Thank you Paula Andrea Pyle for 'Before the Ride'
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