In the Winter Season

As carefully as he descended those steps,
he still tumbled - the resulting hospital stay

distressing him more for her sake than his,

because he knew how much she needed him.

When we stayed with her she wondered why -

our help and presense a mystery in her blizzard.

Again and again, she went to look for him

thinking that surely he had come home.

And when he finally did,

she became his physical strength to hold on to

 and he resumed his place as her mental help.

Together they could face life and go on.

But what we saw, soon was clear, 

that while his broken hip would mend,
the disorder in her mind would not -
giving her illusions we could not try to sort.

Another turn on this path that deceives her

into thinking pictures on the fridge can see,
that maybe she can invite them for soup -

and why is he telling her they can't?

She sets out well worn recipes to bake,
yet can't remember what they look like,
instructions eluding her understanding.
And when she silently rises in the night
hoping to get a start on a meal,
he follows to help her through this fog
 that refuses to define time or reason.
Why does it matter, what time it is?
Her eyes give evidence of  the storm
of questions trying and tiring her to no end.

We just want to hug her and cry.
How true what a wise man long ago said,
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.
So we grapple with one desire and prayer
for the beauty of her innocent inner being.
Lord, let her faith in You remain.
May her songs never stop.
Encourage her tender soul day by day
never to let go of the hope she has in You
until she receives the reward she has earned.