ANGIE

In the morning she moves about the house
Seeking sunlight or the glow of a ceiling light,
Anything that will provide warmth
For her aging body.
When it is time to walk,
She rises behind tired eyes,
And says, “yes, let’s again”.
And then walks
At one slow pace
Until her joints, warmed by activity
Allow a bounce here and there.
When it is time to eat,
She rises, back legs working furiously
To hold herself up so she can finish her meal.
She is deaf,
And sleeps like she’s dead.
But come close or of a sudden
And she reminds you
I will protect what is mine.
She follows my wife wherever,
Whenever she’s home.
She is loyal and reminds me of these things,
That still matter,
Love, a tender hand, a kindness shared, a meal prepared
Forever and always,
What we do for one another.