The Empty Chair
A simple smile, her wrinkled face
A love of sweets, such joy a piece of pie brings
Love of music, listen to her play
By the window every day, sitting in her chair.
Ever so slow, dignity stripped away
Sicker with each passing year, unnoticeable
A fall, a broken hip, a hospital stay
Still smiling, sitting in her chair.
Labored breath, sicker still
So tired, dread floats in the air
Decision made, familiar hospital run
Soon she'll be home, happy in her chair.
Run for her nitro, already too late
Terrible last breath, limp and gone
That last anguished sound, a heart broken
All I now see is her empty chair.
Father in the hospital, not again
A stroke, dignity ripped away
The man he was, crudely erased
Bound to a wheel chair, day after day.
Visit often, time not on his side
Some stay away, garbled words terrifying
Strong made weak, not the man they knew
Fear, a barricade at the front door.
If only they knew, that awful last breath
Push passed the regrets, and the fear
Unbearable weight, a painful sight
Another shadow and his empty wheel chair.
