Glen Campbell’s memory is no longer gentle on his mind

By the time he gets to Phoenix on his tour,
Glen will not recall the places he has been.
But his fingers still will fly across his Gibson
as he with pride displays his boyish grin.

That’s the way it is with those who have dementia
what they learned as kids they still remember well.
Short-term memory leaves them like a cheating lover
and their empty stares become a living hell.

Now the rivers of his mem’ry are diverted
by forgotten words and bonds he once could rhyme.
He’s shackled by the Alzheimer’s that haunts him
and keeps what once was gentle from his mind.
Won’t you pray for Glen? He’s been like a friend.

* The above lyrics can be sung to the tune of “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.”

** http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/music-legend-glen-campbell-reveals-alzheimers/story?id=13906837