Originally written on October 16, 2009.
Regal in his throne
Long white hair pulled back
Wire rimmed glasses
Neatly groomed goatee
The lone dimple of a child
Deep in his right cheek
Comfortable
Though not pressed shirt
Tattered blanket in his lap
Right arm on the arm
Of the old chair
Left hand in his lap
Holding a heart of jasper
There is pride here
No frailty is evident
He looks out the window
Today as he did yesterday
Would he be here
Tomorrow
Will be the same
Each day
This place
Restless as always
Looking for someone
Long since lost
Quietly
Talking to his past
Trying to right the unrightable
Shaking his head left to right
Facing disbelief again
Rerunning the reruns
Interrupted
By the occasional
And very welcome
Smiles and then laughter
From sweet memories
Hand rubbing his cheek
Massaging the memory
Of an old kiss
Out the window
Sees something familiar
Then a “not today” refrain
He is blissfully sad
Tasted perfect once
Perfectly imperfect
She was an angel
Greatest gift from God
Suddenly startled
This is different
Everyone notices
He adjusts his shirt
Brushes his long white hair
Back
Straightens his blanket
Looks out the window
The warmest smile
They’ve ever seen
Where did that come from
Straightens his back in the chair
Oh my gosh
She’s here
The nurses are nervous
Tears come to his eyes
Dear God she’s so beautiful
He stands to greet her
It’s been so long
As if it never ended
The nurses rush to him
Knew I’d see you again
She brushes his cheek
They hold hands
Move to a long warm embrace
Walk out the door
Hand in hand
Nurses don’t understand
He’s gone
Just like that
Not a sound
Then they do
He’s left
Finally with her
Again
He knew all along
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