SATURDAY NIGHT
AT THAT ALZHEIMER'S PLACE

I let you escape
into your down time,
your after dinner nap,
to abort the grumbles
and disorientation.
I yearn to hear that
once confident voice,
gaze into those dancing eyes
now glazed into absenteeism,
to see that handsome smile
of the person I've loved
for so many years.
Staying by your side
in this tv room, our tomb
for the on-going funeral,
I pray that when you awaken
you will still recognize me,
know that I am here
loving you, keeping you safe.
I pretend to listen to Lawrence Welk,
your favorite show
from gone forever days,
weeping aloneness,
missing my Special Friend
who disappeared
into cacophonia and word salad.
I want to join you
in that far away world
for just one more dance,
and to sing with you
"Goodnight, Sweetheart...
...'til we meet again..."

P.J. Roberts
Rockport, MA