My Grand Aunt

MY GRAND AUNT by JOHN M. ARRIBAS She is still as elegant as I dare remember Those early springs: its now late december She is sitting with her back perfectly straight I’m afraid she’ll chastise me for being late She is wearing a blouse of organdie I think With lacing at the edges a flattering pink A full length skirt tucked under her thighs Her house maid slippers with ribbons for ties Her little loop ear rings with silvery plums Her hair quite gray combed back tied in a bun As I approach she turns that same sparkle in her eyes There isn’t a sign that me she can still recognize I was told she suffers from a recognition affliction That her thoughts will wander a constant condition I look into her eyes and tell her who I am She smiles , sighs and asks if I’m the elevator man She seems to be struggling to recall the past She may catch it for an instant then gone in a flash There is no conversation enlisted by her I try to make small talk she doesn’t concur I bring up old memories she just stares away I think I see a reaction but it just doesn’t play I hold her hands they’re so tiny and soft It may have awakened a long lost thought But she just turns her head and looks away She seems to be struggling with something to say As hard as I try to engage her in conversation No response, I’m handcuffed in total frustration The mind never stops working so I’ve been told So she’s thinking about something dear to her soul She has exiled herself maybe a defense mechanism So as not to contend with the oncoming attrition You don’t have to accept the declining fear Turn off your senses and just not be here My grand aunt (2) She surrendered her memories and all future strife Savors the times that were the joys of her life She’s hoarding those good times not sharing at all Reliving those moments as best she can recall Her ride never stops it’s a carousel of unending joy She sealed up those reveries not even time can destroy When she was young she dressed with victorian distinction That she’d outshine her companions was an easy prediction A white blouse, tailored skirt and slight tint on her lips Nylon stockings a hint of rouge a rhythmic tilt of her hips She aroused masculine attention wherever she went The only man in her life was a casualty heaven sent By a conflict in Korea her life’s altering event She carefully concealed her painful lament She devoted her time and energies to family and friends Community interests , charities the list never ends Those interests consumed her life and spiritual grit While all the time exhibiting humor and wit I’ll not see her again this day for me is complete Those deep seated emotions are once,,not to repeat Her sweet and tranquil mein has held me in sway My eyes are misting as I drive away I’m not sure but I think I heard her say Thanks for visiting me “Robert “and have a nice day I’ve come away thinking these folks are cleverer than we They’ve cut themselves off from the pains of reality They’ve insulated their thoughts for solo enjoyment Not wasting any time with mundane disappointment They relish the wonderful moments of their passing life They just forget and dismiss the grief and the strife