Till Next Time

(93 and fading fast)

three times i call Pam’s name
pausing while her heavy lids open slowly
a reluctance to leave her forever faraways
to return to the present
sleepy today in her blue high back chair
pearl buttons on her cotton print blouse
somewhat out of sorts
no glimmer of recognition greets

seated at her feet on a footstool
i embrace her old bones and chat about
this and that
she stares back in silence
no words uttered no words forthcoming
nothing to indicate she knows who I am

i am the silver haired lady who visits
the one who cares for the paper thin skin
who massages her aunt’s wrinkled hands
with L’Occitane’s Lavender to calm her
who brushes her ever thinning hair
to help soothe her agitated expression
before planting a goodbye kiss on her
forehead and waving a fond farewell
till next time

Reviews

[Jansy]

Chris, this reads like a quiet meditation on devotion and the small rituals that anchor us to one another. The tension between recognition and unrecognition is heartbreaking yet deeply human. The details....the chair, the pearl buttons, the lavender....make the love tangible. “Till next time” lands with such simple, aching poignancy. Beautiful work.

-James

[Chris Shaw]

Yes it was a glitch on the response button James, now resolved at the sixth attempt. Small rituals, can make such a difference, you are so right. It saddens me to see so many completely abandoned by family. Forgotten. My visits to my aunt can sometimes be fraught, but there is no way I could abandon her. I never know whether there will be a next time but while she is still on this plane, she still deserves love. Thank you for a lovely review.

Chris

[Lorry]

That look of non response to a once familiar face is heartbreaking Chris. Yet you don't show it for fear of upsetting or frightening them. So you hold it in despite it tearing you apart and only feel safe to let it out muffled into your pillow.
That moment is when you truly feel proper grown up, with all the heart wrenching consequences of roles being reversed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. Yes, you do have to act all growed up. Not an easy situation to deal with but one sadly many have to face. Hope all is good with you and you are well wrapped up :)

Chris

[yorkie]

the tenderness of caring . beautiful

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Your thoughts are appreciated yorkie.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

This reminds me so much of my last visit, as a child, to my paternal grandmother -- and yet again, to my last visit to my maternal grandmother, fresh from my Air Force training preparatory to my shipment overseas. The two visits seem to combine now in 60 year old memory, a single visit to a single woman who at the time(s) meant much to me. But what remains now of both is the love I felt and that they gave and that will stay and stay ...
Beautiful words, Chris. Thank you for the rekindling.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your kind words Flat Daddy. Sending you all good wishes for Christmas. All the best to you and yours.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Wonderful, Chris. Brought me back to those times and moments hinged by that makes love constant and dependable. Most moving. 🙏🕊️
Freds

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Freds. Not easy to manage, but we find ways to show and tell, they are still loved. Your thoughts are valued.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Yes! That's the key to love, Chris 🕊️🙏

[JustPlainHere]

This is absolutely beautiful. Threading yourself into the connection of caretakers (and likely your aunt's point of view) to show that there is always a connection even when there seemingly isn't, was poignant.

[Chris Shaw]

Without doubt you place yourself in the shoes of the other. It is a painful process. I do what little I can for her. I wish I could do more. Thank you so much for stopping by to leave your valued thoughts. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Gee]

Beautifully written Christine.
Can fully understand folk trotting off to other countries to get a jab.
Hope you are keeping well

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Gee. Endings can be incredibly unkind. I fully understand the reasons why some people take an alternative route. All reasonable, hope all is good for you and yours. Getting colder by the day here. Winter’s arrived. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Amy R]

What a beautiful poem, tribute, felt every word and it just flow so well.

What a powerful title "Till Next Time." something like this will make me ponder a lot on life itself,
Thanks for sharing.
-Amy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Amy for another encouraging review. Not an easy situation to deal with sadly. All the best.

Chris

[Amy R]

True its never easy, you're welcome

[AshAngel]

ho, this isn't just a poem. Its a memory. A beautiful one... thanks for sharing it with others. goodbye is not said, but its showed...kissing on forehead is one of the sweetest way one can say till next time.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AshAngel. I appreciate your visit today and your kind words. Please you stopped by to read my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[AshAngel]

poems like this are rare and I'm happy that I got to read it. :) and met you chris shaw. love to read more of yours. thank you again. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Please call again. Lovely to meet you:)

[Coyote Poetry]

I have become an old man. and I do understand the words dear Chris. I hope when I am weak and lonely. Someone tells me. I am loved and needed. Powerful and worthwhile words shared my friend.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, that sense of belonging is so important. Even if she doesn’t recognize me, I remind her she is loved and talk to her about my grandparents, her mum and dad. These days are painful to watch. I hope for her sake that she meets her maker soon. She has no quality of life. I know my hugs mean something to her. She hugs me back. In our old age having someone who cares, is a real blessing. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful and compassionate work. You bring this to life.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Thomas for stopping by. Much appreciated.

Chris