Charlie's Cross

This is in Eintou Style, but perhaps not TRUE to the style.  My parents both suffer from Dementia, but my father's is like a candle next to the NEON Billboard which is my mother's!  And no one can ease his heart!



CHARLIE'S CROSS

I see
my father's eyes
when mother lashes out.
See the loss there more than in her.
We all miss the old Mom,
but in his eyes
he grieves

a love
and a lifetime
spanning sixty-two years!
The mingled sands of memory
his.  Hers, confused...
He remembers
alone.

My mom
is here with us,
but in her Dementia,
we can never count on her mind.
Here now in the moment-
but the moment
is gone,

too soon!
She lashes out
and guts him like a fish!
Malicious, but without malice.
And my father trundles
down the hallway
a spell.

Only
needing to be
away a few moments.
"Oh Charlie!  I thought you were gone!"
His presence gives comfort.
He smiles and nods.
Alone.