I’ve been here before
My father said to me
I about to shave him
He in bed
Where’s that Daddy?
In these barracks
He said
Out in India
I told him straight
You’re not there now
Am I not?
No you’re here
In your bed at home
In Hindsford
Lack of oxygen to the brain
Makes us all confused
Mercifully
Daddy kept his mind
Lungs were done
And walking too
But generally
Life was kind
Of late I hear
A friend and dear
Has dementia now
Slowly getting worse
Her husband says
Thank God for family
And friends he says
Yes thank God that we care
Dementia takes the person
Before they die
Leaves us the body
But where’s the ‘you and I’?
Responsive and responsible
Speak and I reply
Now that’s gone
And yet you did not die
Gather round my family
Gather round my friends
Help me care
There is no cure
But love which now stands by
Mary at the cross
Now comfort all
Brian Fahy
30 April 2021
Erris Poetry 