
united
This Gum’s age he could not contemplate,
zephyrs swirl through leaves,
flickers sunlight like an old film projector.
Memories stir
she’s beside him
soul mate, his love, his rock.
Adoring eyes meet as they always have.
Returning to their cottage
peeling paint
fly screen door — gauze torn — rotting.
Walking, slowly along dusty floor
past the disused stove
Glimpses, her apron over the oven door handle
Notices, cobwebs
His meals now brought on wheels.
Tired, he’s on their bed
once filled with devoted love
he drifts….
Again she stands beside him
though, now more than a vision.
Takes her hand
beneath flickering sunlight.
David J Delaney ©