The Cruelest Fate
The Cruelest Fate
By Elton Camp
What was Lois is all but gone
“It’s dementia,” the doctor said
“Just be glad she doesn’t know.
“It’s so much better that way.”
With the blank look on her face,
Family talk as if she isn’t there
Or doesn’t comprehend words
She has become a burden now
She no longer ministers to them
Nor is able to care for her needs
“Maw won’t want this,” they agree
An unspoken wish behind the words
“There’s no use to come anymore.
She doesn’t even know who we are
And won’t remember the next day.”
Their visits become fewer and fewer
Aides keep Lois in her own home
A vanishing inheritance begrudged
Yet, they can’t quite put her away
And cannot manage her themselves
Occasionally there is a look of dismay
As Lois seems briefly to comprehend
The situation and what her future is
A tear rolls down her wrinkled face
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