Trembling hands hold the picture frame

Tears fall upon the glass

In the reflection, a lonely old man

Trying to find within, restraint from total breakdown

Envying ideals of youth

For they are a stark reminder

Of a time chosen not to reflect

Of time in service

And the repercussions

Sleepless nights, dreamless sleep

All the time in the world to think

Yet remembers less everyday

Memories come in waves

The onset of decay

Knowing hope will fade

Knowing hope will fade

Remembers less everyday

The onset of decay

The workers present

The most precious possession

The last link to familiarity long gone

And so a vision creeps of mother

Holding the tiny hands of the brother

Looking upon the face of new life

And in wake

20 years reverse

Trembling hands hold the picture frame

Tears fall upon the glass

In the reflection

A lonely old man

Trying to find within, restraint from total breakdown

Envying ideals of youth

For they are a stark reminder

Of a time chosen not to reflect

Of his beloved

Once held in his arms

“Where is Gloria?!”

She sits in acceptance

In acceptance

Stroking old strands of grey

Saying “everything will be fine”

And then she disappears

Into the frozen night

Screeching for his wife

The end of his fading life

He knows, its time