Lit eZine Vol 10 | p-15 | POETRY | When did they become them?

SHORT POEM

WHEN DID THEY BECOME THEM?
Short Poem by Deborah Lloyd

Young woman hugging elderly couple in living room — AI-generated image

Him – a huffing and puffing old man,
Everything is too much effort. Doesn’t do all that he can.
We think

Her – a tiny frame, shrivelled and curled,
Repeating explanations clear, almost hurled.
I sink

Nuance and art of conversation losing its way
through the decades, years, even the days.
All in a blink.

Sometimes I’d love to be three,
They would be singing, playing with me.
Memories wink.

Mum and Dad wrap me in strong arms,
Nurture me. Keep me away from harm.
So, my armour has a chink.

When did I turn away and stop seeing you both?
Busy, so busy with my own family’s growth.
Ahh, there’s the link!

Now, I am a parent of parents.

Time shrinks

Deborah’s poem Matthew’s Arnold Field was published in Green Ink Press, and Sinking was longlisted in the Write by the Sea Competition 2024. She has flash fiction published and is writing a Fantasy novel, The Golden Realm.

Deborah is inspired by the possibility and poetry of the everyday. Her most creative ideas come when tending her flower garden and playing with her lovely Grandsons. When she is not writing, she will be walking in the woods.