Tenderness

Days before Valentine's

88 degrees

You tell me how nice 

the weather has been

It's in the 40's over there

Your father is doing ok

considering the circumstances

with your mother-

still in the hospital

for a few more weeks

We're all hoping for the best

My attention span

isn't what it used to be

I'm trying to keep it straight

I'm no ruler

not even a plain straight edge

though I keep things

ordered in ways 

I think about the day before

New Year's Eve

your Mother in her wheelchair

brush in your hand

combing her hair

the two of you unaware

I'm just out of sight

watching a moment

more tender

than the heavens 

could allow