There goes that smile again,
loose,
like a stray hair,
greying,
caught upon the breeze.
You wheeze out a last laugh remembering times gone,
Back when you shone;
now only with mind’s eye,
rose-tinted
is it hinted that you knew of the summer and spring.

Smile-wrinkles and worry lines still enchant,
Even as they plant;
bitter-sweet feelings deep in my soul.
Crow’s-feet
clutch
as memories call out their last sweet siren song.

Past these old lips a complaint spills, discomfort and distance;
far from me,
lost.
As the frost covers your world,
those first flakes stick,
you again thick in fog
moan about those kids and how they sing.

Holding your hand I take night watch,
weep silently at endless loss,
later as I toss and turn I imagine that your mind
remains intwined with mine,
that all, for now,
is fine with you,
I forget all life now is tinged with the bitterest sting……
But then I remember……..