If I Develop Dementia

If I develop dementia someday,

Will the condition be obvious to me?

Will I be able to know that I

Am out of touch with reality?

 

Will I notice that when I speak,

People exchange puzzled glances?

Will I also be cognizant of

All of my changing circumstances?

 

Will I notice that people are rolling

Their eyes every now and then

When I continue to ask the same

Questions over and over again?

 

Will people say, "I told you that

Three times already!" and not understand

That my behavior needs a patient

Response and not a reprimand?

 

In certain situations will

I know why I am lost or confused?

If somebody tries to shame or hurt me,

Will I know why my heart is bruised?

 

It will not help to scold me because

I'll forget whatever you say.

In fact, I doubt I'll even remember

That we saw each other today.

 

If I forget your name or who

You are, I hope you are not sad.

If you remember me when I

Was young and alert, I'll be glad.

 

As of now, I think my mind

Is pretty clear, and so I won't

Worry yet. But then again,

Maybe YOU know something I don't.

 

-by Bob B (8-1-21)