kissing her wrinkled brow.

The mop she held fell to the floor

as he expected, she started to howl,

I don't know you , please let me go!

I don't recognize your face.

I want my husband;  I want John Daisy

and you'll never take his place.

I am your husband, he begged her to see

married fifty years this December.

My name is John,  I love you so

  Oh, Darling - please say you remember.

He knew she didn't, but still he'd try,

day after day to remind her.

Till that dreadful day, they had to take her away

to a home, so they could always find her.

She refused his visits for three long years

and for three long years he'd visit.

Through tearful apologies the staff would say

I'm sorry, she just doesn't get it.

That's alright, John would reply

as he watched her through heart-wrenching strife.

It pained him so to see another man

holding the hand of his wife.

That's Mr. O'Donnell, the caregiver laughed,

She thinks that he's you, you know.

They waltz and laugh and sleep together.

He rocks her to and fro.

John just nodded and tipped his hat,

he ventured back out in the rain.

Back in his car he smelled her perfume

threw his head back and screamed out her name.

Another season came and went

still denied, but daily loyal,

until the day the phone call would say

Your wife - she's in big trouble.

He'd never once broken the law

till that day he ran every light.

Blinded by tears and onlooking jeers

he made it before it was night.

Her hospital room was buzzing with noise

Doctors and nurses exhausted.

She will not let a soul in the room,

Mr. O'Donnell -  she even accosted.

As Mr. O'Donnell exited the room,

he mumbled that she'd gone crazy.

John slipped in and stood at her bed

as she sat up and whispered,

Daisy?

He took off his hat and held his breath.

She gestured for him to come near.

Where have you been? She scolded and smiled,

I thought you'd never get here.