(Written June 23, 2018)
He greets me with
“Hello, Daughter!”
Unsure of my name,
he plays it safe.
Still clever, after all.
Remember me.
Help me remember.
I watch as he engages
in secret conversations
with the past.
Ghosts and visions
are his companions now.
Remember me.
Help me remember.
His eyes no longer see
what is before him.
His mind creates
what he needs.
Perception is reality.
Remember me.
Help me remember.
They say, “Go where they are.”
But how do I enter a world
of his own making?
I can only wait for his return,
time to time,
and listen as he talks
of his adventures.
Remember me.
Help me remember.
He tells me he loves me as I leave.
Words that never came easy
before disease opened a door.
Previously censored emotion
now for everyone to see.
Dark cloud meets silver lining.
We weather the storm.
Remember me.
Help me remember.
For Jack Blackwell, 1919-2004
I remember, Daddy, with love.
— Lolo