James Scannell McCormick
Early-Onset Dementia
I work today, she texts – a fact, the kind
Of "news" that friends of forty years (and more)
Will swap to brace against the wrench and grind
Of work, loosen the pinch of distance before
The day begins. At two. She's told me so
Already. Three times. And it's not yet eight.
She'll often repeat – as if I didn't know –
When you drive, you have to pull aside and wait
For squads and firetrucks. It's the law! She'll claim,
The day that we moved in, you weren't afraid –
You walked up our driveway and said your name.
It never happened. We met in seventh grade,
Our desks together by chance. On my phone, a few
Moments later: I work today at two.
Bio
James Scannell McCormick's third collection of poems is title First of Pisces (Kelsay Books). He lives and teaches college English in Rochester, Minnesota