“Lost and Found”
I race across the miles
Her face in my mind
Sweet and stubborn from childhood
Tugging at my heart…
I sign for my badge
Fidget in the elevator
And wait to be let in
Three South’s locked door…
She sits face in her hands
Wanting to be somewhere else
Amidst this craziness
My child waits for rescue…
“Hi sweetheart”
She looks up
Eyes brightening at the presence
Of someone known…
Her hand reaches to mine
And we touch
As moments pass in silence
She’s coming back…
Every night a little more
Thoughts are becoming clearer
“How was your day?”
“I’m taking my medication”…
She comes willingly
To a quieter corner
And conversation unfolds
With some recognition and tears…
Her reality’s beginning to loom
And the understanding frightens
“I’m here, we all are”
She nods, “I’m sorry”…
“Small steps little one”
When I hug her goodbye, she holds on.
Paul Colaluca (12/11/05)