He sits talking to the TV now,
(this inquisitive man, who once sought his own truths,
 and made his own discoveries)
Leaning to one side, clenched hand around the remote.

He speaks in garbled tongue now, unintelligible to most,
(this thinking man, who loved spirited debate, poetry,
 the arts, science, philosophy, and words)
Struggling to make his thoughts known to whomever
will listen hard enough.

He laughs and chuckles to himself now,
(this charming man, who made us smile at his clever wit)
In a world of his own, with fleeting moments of joy 
that only he may understand.

He teeters on unstable legs now; slow, uncertain steps,
(this proud man, once posture perfect, erect and  sure)
A transfer belt around his waist, a wheelchair at-the-ready.

He fumbles with his spoon now, to take each hard-won bite,
(this brilliant man, who lived to create and created to live)
Food slipping down his chin, a bib about his neck.

He wills unruly arms to form a hug now, to no avail,
(this tender man, whose shy embraces spoke of Love)
No limbs obey this need for touch, only his weary head 
tipping to rest upon my shoulder.

He resolutely journeys on now, though darkness dims the way,
(this determined man, who conquered so much pain
 and grief in days gone by)
While losses mount, and fate will have it's way,
His intrepid soul survives.

Make no mistake ~ This is Courage.

glh - June 2001

Dedicated to all our pHD's and, especially,
To Charlie, With Love.
 

Slaying The Dragon Poetry