the way you don't walk much now
but always run for a hot meal,
or ask my name every day,
just for the chance to call it beautiful,
or when you insist I tuck you in,
because it just feels better "that way"
you; who forgets everyone
but your husband,
and when you see him you
cradle him by both cheeks,
and kiss him tender,
i listen when you tell me;
"the most important think you can be is kind,"
or "i'm 93, i never thought i'd make it this far,
but at least i know i am loved,"
or "i'm too old for crying now," while you laugh,
i listen while you do cry,
because you wish you remembered how loved you are,
or because everyone you love is not here,
or while you tell every person you meet you love them,
and mean it
i think of the little things you love,
like the wrinkles on your face because they mean you lived,
or how pretty it feels to have flowers in your hair,
or that ice cream always tastes best on Christmas,
i want to be like you;
you who cant pray too well now,
so you hold my hand while i do
and you squeeze it,
amen