Don’t Let Me Fade Away

A poem for World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, in memory of my grandad and anybody else affected in any way by this cruel disease:

Don’t Let Me Fade Away

Please don’t ignore me because
You think I can’t compute
Talk to me normally
So that others follow suit

My minds in bits, I’m in the grips
Of this heartless cruel disease
Please don’t shut me out
I beg you so much, please

I’m frightened and so tortured
Inside my troubled mind
Alone and truly terrified
Of being left behind

I’m in such pain, so full of shame
And begging for a cure
Please help me to recover
And do not shut the door

I notice I do silly things
Like put milk in the kettle
I’m troubled as I’m so aware
My mind’s not in full fettle

It’s so unfair, I feel despair
I have a life to live
My family, they need me so
I’ve so much more to give

The simplest of activities
I find so hard to juggle
Just working out my shopping list
I now find such a struggle

To recall a place, or name a face
Can be hard for me to do
But please keep talking to me
Let me share my love with you

Please don’t treat me differently
Or pity me each day
Help to keep my mind alive
So I don’t fade away

I’m holding on, I must be strong
And beg they find a cure
Or a way to slow the process down
It’s too much to endure

Hold on to the memories
Of the better days we shared
As I’ll always hold you in my heart
Just know how much I cared.

© Maxine Bailey
September 2021

About the author

Maxine Bailey
2586 Up Votes
I absolutely love writing poems. Enjoying my garden and my dogs. I used to be an Age UK Befriender, which I would thoroughly recommend to anybody. So rewarding

More from Maxine Bailey

Sweeping Squadrons
A wonderful poem written by my late Grandmother, Beatrice Butcher, many years ago. My Grandad...
Read More
Your Painted Smile
For Mental Health Awareness Day 2024.  And every other day of the year. ...
Read More
The Visitor
For Alzheimer's Awareness Month.  For anybody affected either directly or indirectly by this...
Read More
Autumn's Embrace
One of my favourite seasons. 💜❤️ Autumn’s Embrace Autumn’s...
Read More
If you enjoyed reading this, show your appreciation to the author with a thumbs up!

Maxine Bailey would love your feedback, please leave your comments below:

Loading Comments

Showcase your literature

Not a member?

You need to be a member to interact with Silversurfers. Joining is free and simple to do. Click the button below to join today!

Click here if you have forgotten your password
Click here to visit the showcase home page