From Day to Day

Gray-haired gentleman
holds onto specs, morning
paper on lap
canopy handy when 32 C
visits your trailer site.

flowerpots sprinkle the
lot, Impatiens and
Gladiolas colouring his view
Muffins asleep on his lap,
Ida stares from the sofa
cruel Alzheimer’s taking root.

From the next trailer children
are singing “Old MacDonald’s Barn”
verses changed, voices with
laughter. A knowing smile warms
his crinkled face
memories of canoeing, long
walks with his wife and
family grown older.

Their front lawn sign
says it all--WELCOME from
Ida, John and little Muffins.

© Richard L. Provencher