The Nursing Home

As he sits in the chair, towards the floor is his gaze, fleeting memories wash over him but his mind is a haze. The nurse flashes by and gives him a smile, He longs for someone to sit and talk for a while. The children will visit, he hopes they come soon. when they walk through the door his face lights up the room. Are they coming today or is it next week? Struggles to recall all their names and he begins to weep. Cannot remember her name by she was his wife. A wonderful woman, the love of his life. In a moment of lucidness, remembers the day that she died. Emotions well up and tears brim in his eyes. A drink of some tea he would like to have now. The nurse is too busy and he doesn't know how. Breakfast at eight, lunch right on noon. Dinner at five, No! that's not too soon. The room down the hall, inhabited by Bill. The noises he makes would make you feel ill. He hacks through the day, screams out in the night. Waking all within reach with a terrible fright. His daughter comes to visit, the kids are causing her grief. Life is so hectic, Dad we will have to be brief. Grand kids gather around and he gives them a cuddle, she gathers them up and off they go as a huddle. This man gave his life for the family he made, just a little while longer, he wished that they stayed. An hour is not too much to ask of your time, to tell happy stories and tell him everything's fine.