Like millions of other people, I became a carer for my mother as she died of dementia. She had left home in her teens to join the women’s Royal Navy (Wrens). She learned to rally drive, to drive defensively. She brought up her sons alone after the death of my father.

I will make you a cup of tea

The shade you like

The warmth you find comforting

The sweetness you find acceptable

And you’ll savour it

And recall all the other cups

In your long, eventful life.

And you will be you safe this afternoon

As you drift

As it rains outside

As I say “I love you”

As I put the cup in your paper skin hand.

Reaching outside of all recognition

As I cease to exist for you

But you’re still there

Drinking the tea

That someone kind brought you once.