He once was a handsome young man 
A young lady he took in his hand 
They vowed to journey together 
through the good and the terrible weather 
 
Leaping ahead many a year 
to shorten the story here 
Now in the days of old age 
It is here that I set the stage 
 
The man that once was smarter 
Now needs a memory jump-starter 
He will often do things that will shame 
the least of which is remembering names 
 
He once took a walk barefooted 
with his pride and dignity disputed 
'Where are your shoes old man? ' 
'Your feet are wrinkled and tan! ' 
 
He turned and looked square in the eye 
while holding his head so high 
'Why, they're right there in plain view. 
I'm wearing my alligator shoes.' 
 
Dedicated to my father succumbing to Alzheimer's 
Sometime if you don't laugh 
You won't 
 
 
(7 April 2007)
JoJo Bean
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/barefoot-i-walk-with-my-alligator-shoes/