On Life with Dementia

I was looking for my glasses before I went to bed,
As I peered into the mirror…….. They were perched upon my head.
I suppose that’s not uncommon.
The forgetfulness of years.
It prompts a little story
To reflect on what appears.

On frosty, misty mornings,
When spiders bring jewels that delight.
Their webs, that glisten at daybreak,
With dew, fresh from long chilly night.

One spider was more than accomplished,
In the art of unique web design.
As architect and engineer; his talent, a gift sublime.
Each web a pristine beauty, both delicate and strong.
To trap those passing insects.
A meal for later on.

One day, some of his children were concerned by what they saw,
As spider started spinning strange webs upon the floor.
His love ones thought, “Oh grandad,
You’re getting it all wrong.
Please spin them somewhere higher,
In the air, where webs belong”.

The spider crouched down slowly in his cosy, favourite spot.
“The problem kids is daunting as my memory is shot.
Some days I can’t remember if I’ve finished or begun.
When it comes to recent matters, well, I wish that I was young.

My renown as web designer,
Found acclaim and national roles.
These days my webs are wonky,
The moths fly through the holes.
Back then I used to lecture on symmetry and style.
There’s nothing for my tea now,
I’ve not eaten for some while.”

Sounds like dementia. Your awareness down the pan.
Don’t worry, just accept it, while doing what you can.
I know that may sound brutal,
Please see that our intent,
Is to help disperse your worries.
Our efforts are well meant.

The feeling is what happens as your consciousness withdraws,
You’re here as leggy body, yet your mind prefers to pause.
Don’t fret or be embarrassed should your faculties decline,
Your spirit will continue and within you will be fine.

Quite why is the dilemma, as you normally depart,
When your days come to their natural end, your life fulfilled in part.

It matters that you realise, we’re here,
Our love to share.
Relax, you will be cherished,
Though you may not be aware.

‘What happened then to spider?’

Their love he felt sustained him,
Though appearing unaware.
The care, the sense of spirit, brought a comfort he could share.

One day in secret corner, he fancied one more spin.
They found him in his garden, at peace with cheerful grin.
Farewell they said, dear grandad, his life at final ebb.
They smiled, as there beside him was his final stunning web.