You forget what you told me five minutes ago,

You're telling me things that I already know,.

You've asked me my name a dozen times or more,

You keep repeating the things that you've said before.

So why am I sitting here why haven't I moved?

The truth is I enjoy chatting to you.

You're delightful and sweet if you know what I mean,

But more important you are still a human being.

As a nurse I suppose I know what I should expect,

And in return from me you'll receive my respect.

For you don't know the joy that you're giving to me,

But when you look in my eyes I am sure you will see.

And if I can bring a little cheer and joy to you,

You might feel some of this happiness too.

I know that you won't recognise me tomorrow,

But that's alright no need for sorrow.

We can start again and chat anew,

Teach me old songs if you would like to.

If only you knew the joy that you bring,

Through your words your songs and everything.

But we all grow old and things slow down,

Sometimes its hard just to get around,

But reading this rhyme I want you to see,

That despite all these things you are special to me.

© Catherine Turner-Joll


This poem is dedicated to Maude, a lady I nursed and who had
Alzheimers disease. Maude loved to sing and was a singer
in her younger years and even sang with Dickie Valentine!
It was a priviledge and a pleasure to talk to and care for
Maude. I miss those days!

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