Growing Lonely

By Julie Grey

I watch your eye-sight fading
and I search the shelves at the bookstore
for print large enough for you to see,
because I know how much you love to read
and how important it is for you to do it by yourself.

You call me and ask
if I would mind driving up to see you -
you know I'm tired from a long days work
and I'm always so busy,
but you'll buy me dinner.
If I could just spare you an hour or two,
it's been weeks since I put my arms around you
and told you how much I love you.
And you miss me.

You call me days after you've been ill.
You're much better now.
Of course, you didn't want me to worry
so you called 911 to take you to the emergency room.
And you didn't fall so very hard.

As I watch the old couples holding hands in the park,
I can't help but cry because you have no one
to tease you about your gray hair,
or your sagging bosom.
And I fear that someday
I will be alone with mine.

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Last Updated: March 25, 1996