I wrote this in September of 2019 just after my father made the decision to place his long time girlfriend into memory care.

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Memories of my mother

who wasn’t

She’s not here any more

For years she tore

the flesh and bone of his soul

Ceaseless berating

belittling and blaming

became

His comfort

No more

He’ll remember those glimpses of good

The in between

Moments when she put away her guns

and loved him

for who he was

A good man

who’s finally drawn the line

He’ll do what’s right

Not what just looks right from the outside

He tried

and tried

and tried

He’ll honor all those years

Let her have some dignity while there’s still time

He’ll say goodbye