The rain I love pounds too heavy in my head,
Drenching every thought with tears.
I care nothing about rhyme, reason or rule,
For this is the day that nobody wants.
She laughs with me still, not knowing.

The year made promises it could not keep,
Enabling my pretending for months,
Avoiding the day that nobody wants.
Conversation is clear, justifying no need,
Then, “you are who?” her memory can’t feed.
She pats my hand still, not knowing.

So this day has come that nobody wants.
True titles not spoken, substitutes each hunts;
Rehabilitation, New Living, Alternative Care.
Can she measure love unbound behind a soft stare?
She eats with us still, not knowing.

The damn day has come that nobody wants!
We smile away pain and speak of new friends,
Wonderful adventures to which she ascends.
Her oldest churns helpless, shoulders guilt draped.
Will I forever feel wretched without an escape?
She prays with us still, not knowing.

The inevitable staved off with welcomed shared sunsets.
For time’s generosity, I render thanks and my debt.
Will Peruvian Lilies remind her who we once were?
When she winks at the nurse and calls her me,
I’ll try not to hurt, this life wound bleeds the way it will be.
She hugs me still, not knowing.
She kisses me still, not knowing.
She waves at me still, not knowing.