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

[WordShifter]

This is so good and to be aware and be able to put down the beautiful words, it has so much feeling. Thank you for sharing and do check out Barbara's poem "Erased By Time" it's also very good. Aloha, Ginger (WordShifter)

[Barbara Lynne]

what a lovely write...and made me stop and think how fast time does go by...reminds me of a poem I wrote called "Erased By Time"...if you have time I would love you to read it...beautifully done!

[Mike Winegar]

An absolutely wonderful write! I love the poignancy of this poem with the bittersweet way a youthful person reaches out to a much older one.