Milton’s room is empty now
Left unoccupied for the time it takes
To slowly get used to his absence.
That room is a kind of material counterpart
To the empty place in our lives
Knowing he is gone and will not return.
Visiting Rosemary she is happy to see us
Talking of her life and our lives for hours
Never once dwelling on her loss.
There is not even a mention of pain
Telling the story of cracking two ribs and spraining a knee
Getting into the car to get to his memorial.
There are only stories telling about the good
Even in people that are not her favorite
Such is her positive outlook.
Rosie told me what she told Milton
That you will be remembered by those who cared about you
As long as we live and somewhat by any grandchildren.
That’s the limit of immortality but for today
Milton is present when we speak of him
And not forgotten when we speak of anything else.
Rosie, when the phone rings and your caregiver answers
Saying that you are out as you have instructed
That’s our signal to leave.
You pick up the phone to listen in and we hear, too
How your friend cannot believe that you are out
Hearing instead that you are laid out!
Torn between feeling concern for your friend’s dismay
And laughing about the misunderstanding
Next time perhaps you’ll say you’re not taking calls.
We depart on a high note having fun
For you and for us there’s more life left to live yet
Leaving us happy to see how you are getting on.
