Pretty Woman

I hold her hand in mine

Her eyes tender and kind

Faded hazel they stare

Forgetting why I’m there

Each day blessed I am

This gift of time unplanned

I want for just her smile

Wishing for what’s denied

Her stories although told

Retelling gives her joy

Sometimes she remembers

Calling me her daughter

Quietly she regales

Stunning woman so brave

Cowardice the man went

Escaped what she cannot

Inside should she reveal

Memories vivid, real

Now I lay you to sleep

With love, she would repeat

In her arms, she’d hold me

Forever beholden

For the love, she bestowed

I will take on the world

Silent tears fill my eyes

This raging war in her mind

Dad you left her behind

She’s running out of time

This dementia

She’s absentia

Pretty woman

Time limited

Her mind filtered

God’s reckoning

Love delivered

She is my Sun

Always my Mom

***