A Long Walk

poem about Alzheimer's

A Long Walk

The aide wakes me and today
I remember my name and the face
of my husband when he visits.

I don't know the date, who is the
President, and won't remember what
I've had for breakfast this morning.

But I know all the words of the 23rd
Psalm and can sing the Ave Maria.

And as I take this long walk through
the valley of Alzheimer's,
I gather fragments of light and memory,
to tuck in my pocket,
for tomorrow.