As You Remember...

Dedicated to my Nana who is in her 90's and fading....

I see you rocking to and fro,

A chair by the window, birds flittering by.

Your eyes flicker and twitch,

Sighs deep in your chest,

And I wonder if you are remembering...

 

Remembering your strength,

Your independence,

Your beauty.

All withered away with age.

 

Remembering your youth,

Your gardens of plenty,

Back-breaking in the sun,

but ecstasy plain on your face.

 

Remembering what once was,

And no longer is...

Seems only a dream that faded away.

Time is cruel, you say,

Knowing your best days are over.

 

You struggle to stand,

hunched and bunched over.

Shuffling a two-step, relying on silver legs.

Staring at the floor,

Your constant gaze.

 

I wonder if you are remembering...

 

Remembering your love,

Now ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  

Fifty years came and went,

A celebration of your passion.

 

Remembering your grandchildren,

Their sparkling grins.

Laughter of spring, hope,

Peace heralded from the rooftops.

 

You tell me, don't grow old,

I'm all shriveled and dried, an empty husk.

The wind will blow me over and away soon.

I'm nothing, a nobody,

Crying tears of sadness, remembering....

 

My heart cracks as I watch the silver tear,

carving a path on your weathered cheek.

You're still gazing out the window,

hands knotted and gnarled.

A blanket on your lap comforting,

Protecting from the perceived chill.

 

I know my day is coming,

When I will be where you are now.

I will be the one remembering...

Wondering where time went.

 

For now, I offer my hand in silence,

Cradling yours,

Smooth and young, wizened and bent.

Offering quiet comfort,

As you remember...

Author's Note

Image - http://www.redbubble.com/people/natstar/art/5442350-hands-of-time

Reviews

[Lily Mae]

The silver tear...amazing.. It reminds me of a woman next to me in the hospital yesterday.. When she was aware she shared her life's poignant moments with me..
What you've done here is a masterpiece and in remembrance of a beautiful woman and a life so lived...xx

[knightcall]

This struck me right away: I wonder if you are remembering. Later on that is followed up by I know my day is coming when I'll be where you are now. Well constructed and nice to see that Irish smile again.

[stars are far]

this was so nice
great work :)

[Chris]

I could love you...
and I think THAT more than says enough.

Chris

[KAREN]

Sad but written so well. Beautiful write too though. Some memories are worth remembering and I'm sure that brings peace to her heart and soul and you by her side as well.

[Jeremy Baker]

Such a lovely poem and sentiment! Loved it!

[Poetic Beauty]

I love the silver tear. It is amazing what older people think about and what they have lived through. I would talk with my grandma for hours about her life. She saw things that I would never experience and this poem is a great reminder that sometimes we need only to hold someones hand in comfort.

[Vestigial Appendage]

So gently depressing, yet rough and true against my insides.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Growing old is something we can't avoid... so many in their golden age feel they have nothing left thanks to so called society... yet they have so wisdom from there life and joy to spread to loved ones. A really touching poem.

[c.m.]

This brings a lot of emotion to the surface for me since my grandmother died of Alzheimers....this is a beautifully sad write. Nice job.