Gardner Mass

Mumbling to himself the old guitar player 
Rummages through his pile of memories 
Pausing to gaze intently at one or two, 
Shaking his head as if to offer correction
 
He continues saying under his breath, 
"I know she's here somewhere, 
Sitting cross legged on a beach,
With that crazy smile, 

A smile that said so much." 
She had kept her smile protected 
And after all she had endured, 
It slowly appeared again 

As if to say "I'm still here, I still am”
Ninety plus years of memories 
Take on a life of their own, 
Often swapping  facts like places and time, 

But this one stayed pure 
With a white floppy hat 
And arms and hands 
In the "it's not my fault " position 

She tried to avoid responsibility  
For her part in this old memory.
Eyes sight fading 
He kept looking 

Knowing it was only this memory 
Of an old dear friend 
That kept him from slipping into 
The  "I am no longer" 

That waits patiently for us all.
With old trembling hand 
He clutched the picture to his heart 
And said to no one listening 

"I knew you wouldn't leave me"
He sat waiting for his evening meal 
And his medication that they deliver at eight.