They Change…

They Change

My mother was the sweetest person on earth

But Alzheimer’s has slowly dissolved her manner

I listened to this woman like me a daughter

Seeing her mother wear the disease like a banner

Her demeanor has become increasingly mean 

Something our family never saw advancing

This veil of unkindness has enveloped her

And made benevolent conversation a ranting

My experience is polar opposite in that

Our mother was independent and ornery 

Never greeting you with a warm embrace

She relished railing against conformity

They change

They change in remembrance

They change

They change in physicality 

They change 

They change in essence

It is just the opposite for my brother and me

To our surprise and delight she has become

Softer more kind with laughter landing easier 

A surprise to witness this illnesses outcome

This woman was never scared of anything

But this affliction has brought her to her knees

We try to soothe the invasion of constant fears

As her presence is abandoned by this disease

Aging is also taking it’s rightful toll

No longer is she able to recognize

Signals her organs are giving forth

It serves no purpose to agonize

They change

They change from infant to adult

They change

They change from adult to infant

They change

And so do we…