THE SHIP THEY CALL 'ALZHEIMER'S'

Hello my friend, welcome aboard

The ship they call 'Alzheimer's'

There's forty thousand under sixty-five

'Young onset' to 'Old timers'

 

It doesn't matter what you call it

The umbrella term's 'Dementia'

On the ship they call 'Alzheimer's'

Every day's a new adventure

 

Forget your hip replacement

And your osteoarthritis

They were only the 'support act'

For your 'brand new' daily crisis

 

They say things are never over

Until the 'Fat Lady' sings

And she is warming up her vocal chords

That's why you have 'mood swings'

 

Remember... don't forget your passport

You took two hours to fill that form

You should have seen it coming mate

As now it really is the 'norm'

 

Checking it once, checking  it  twice

Like a letter to Santa Claus

Then another three or four times

If you decide to take a pause

 

When you lose your motivation

And interest in different things

Remember life is not yet over

Until the said 'Fat Lady' sings

 

You may lose your sense of humour

Some close friends along the way

Then some of your inhibitions

I guess that's what I'm trying to say

 

When you see me do impulsive things

Risks I normally wouldn't take

It's how I am my friend these days

Not really a 'piss take'

 

I know I am quite repetitive

I'm not trying to be a pain

I'll ask you once, then ask you twice

And then again, again, again

 

I'll write things down, forget your name

One time, two times, three times, four

I'll call you buddy, pal or mate

Then go back and check the door... again, again, again

 

Simple things, routes and routines

Developing obsessions

Tea and toast and Heinz Baked Beans

And memorable possessions

 

It's hard to plan, it's hard to judge

Hard to make a decision

Apathetic right down to the core

Waste time, watch television

 

My voice sometimes appears so slurred

My speech now slow and hesitant...  (pause)

I've forgotten what I want to say

'Is Donald Trump still President'?

 

Healthcare professionals and the Psychologists'

The tests and leaflets they gave out

The Consultant and Neurologist

With MRI scan shows no doubt

 

Early diagnosed Alzheimer's

'Have I had my tea'?

Captured at a very early stage

So please remember... I'm still me

 

(c) Ged the Poet/Daniel Dwyran

(Not posted for a while.. but getting the confidence back).