you look young today,
you see yourself in the reflection of the mirror.
as we sit, all too familiarly,
you christen yourself,
"lady in waiting".

we laugh even now,
at the things we couldn't change.
we talk of your wedding ring,
'who shall have it?'
'want it?'
relic of a failed marraige

i think of the night he locked you out,
you so cold without a coat.
we curse him and the moon that night,
mocking us as I swept you in my arms.

yesterday you fell three times,
just now you see fireflies blooming from my locket
and i steal armfuls of lilacs for you.
you accept them graciously,
but you let them fall to the floor.

the ambulance comes in an instant.
my lips startle yours,
as i lift you into back,
and kiss you goodbye.