Dementia

As I worked outside in my yard today,
An elderly man came walking my way.
He looked a little confused and lost,
I’ve seen that look before.

I tried to ignore him, I had things to do,
But as he looked at me, I glanced at him too.
I could tell by the look in his withering eyes,
That something wasn’t right.

He asked for some water and I said, “Of course”,
He was sweating profusely and his voice was hoarse.
I invited him to have a seat in the shade,
And slowly he sat down.

I asked if he needed a drive somewhere,
“Wherever it is I can take you there”.
He looked like he was wanting to speak,
But the words just wouldn’t come.

He reminded me of someone I used to know,
So very many years ago.
A frantic young woman came up the walk,
She couldn’t believe her eyes.

She thanked me for being so patient and kind,
I assured her I really didn’t mind.
Sadly I smiled as he said to her,
“I just want to go home”.