As we get older we realize how frail our parents have become. They were our pillar of strength growing up and now it’s our turn to care for them. Love my mom and dad and I’m grateful to be their daughter.
Heroes—carried me at youth
“Let’s go to the store,” I say
She walks to the kitchen
Makes coffee and asks if I want some. “No, mom”
“Do you want coffee?” she asks again
Patience—it’s now my turn
Strength she gave me
“Okay” she returns to hers
I keep it simple
Don’t want to confuse
Don’t want to upset
The impatience is me
My pillar of strength changed
I wish I could give her the world—her memory
Dad still has his wit,
Same building—different units
“In Chicago people die,” (he says)
I know, murder capital of U.S.
Years of intolerance
Took a toll on ninety-year-old frame
Fragile thin physique
Not the man I know
Watching him cook leg of lamb with potatoes
He loves potatoes and rice
He’s the cook in the family
Gentle removal of pliable meat off bone
Added with care to the stew
A dark man who didn’t speak English
Mistreated from long ago
The kindness of one teacher
Taught me to speak the language
Mom and dad knew compassion
Wishing I –
Could make life easier for you.