THE VACUUM OF DEMENTIA

UP EARLY IN THE MORNING 
JUST AS THE BIRDS BEGIN TO  SING, 
BEGINNING HIS DAILY ROUTINE 
AFTER THE ANGELS HAD CALLED HIS QUEEN.

HE MAKES HIS BED
USING THE MATS ON THE FLOOR 
AND HANGS HIS PILLOWS 
OVER THE DOOR. 

HE LAYS OUT HIS CLOTHES 
ONE PIECE AT A TIME,
UNMATCHED SOCKS, LONG SLEEVE SHIRT
SHORT PANTS, AND A RED BOWTIE. 

HE GETS DRESSED, AND BRUSHES HIS HAIR, 
LOOKING IN THE MIRROR,
HE ASKED.. WHOSE STANDING THERE,
HE HAS AN APPOINTMENT SOMEWHERE OUT THERE,
WELL DRESSED WITH A BLANK STARE 
HE SITS IN HIS ROCKING CHAIR
GOING NO WHERE.

WILFORD BARKER.