s./j. goldner - by the bedside

there's no universal way to demonstrate tenderness
each person shows it differently

like the leaves fall from the trees
at varying speeds.

this is what exempted me of the guilt
that inevitably came when one autumn day
she stopped rising, her movements around the house
became shuffles, and her brain shut down on the left side.

she could no longer function.
many of us cannot function in society-
but she did, and she did nobly and with all heart, and half brain,
until it was impossible; as strong as she was
she became incapacitated.

unable to speak,
only whisper & nod.

still i slice the ginger root
and prepare her tea

this time with an added teardrop

the decline was so sudden like a stroke
a death-sentence
but that's how it is when death is unwelcome.

s./j. goldner

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/by-the-bedside/