Held in Grace

They go as usual to the annual fair
this time he is pushing her in a chair,
all the sights and sounds as they were before
just she doesn't understand them anymore;
a silent tear trickles down his face
the memories lost from her embrace,
the love they shared has been misplaced
within her mind, a hopeless chase!

He drives to visit her at the home
but when he shares, her mind does roam,
he feeds her meals with tender care
without her touch, he finds despair;
the smile that captured his heart so long ago
vanishes beneath the weight of fog on show,
leaving her breaks his heart every single time
alone at home, he feels guilty of a crime!

Asking God why - there seems no answer
dementia is their hidden cancer,
fresh strength he receives to love once more
from a Saviour, our grief He did bore;
found in His love secure to know
that even through the pain below
they are now held in grace till both have passed
when finally healed, they will be home at last!

This poem was a finalist in the May 2023 poetry contest