Alzheimer's Sonata Poem by Andy Brookes

the keyboard white on black,
our piano remains untouched
just as you left it.
a Beethoven sonata
with its yellowing pages,
curling at its edges,
an evocative memory.

too soon you forgot how to play
although you still loved music.
your eyes blank and unreadable
came to life with Mozart.
you humming along.

now I can't listen to Vaughn Williams,
your favourite it's too painful.
I sometimes wonder have I shed enough tears?
are there enough tears?

still you have your memories a friend said
trying to comfort.
yes but the last ones of your empty shell
those are the one burned deep branded
and indelible.

yet when I remember you
you are my laughing bright star
a super nova gone too soon
what remains is the keyboard white on black,
and an untouched piano.