At one time
The most powerful man in the world
During a meeting discussing
Soviet policy
And nuclear disarmament
Was distraught
Because he forgot to kiss his wife goodbye
He loved her
He wrote her every day
Sometimes twice
From meetings
Even when they were in
The same building
He loved her
15 years later
My grandfather
Survivor of a broken back
And multiple heart attacks
Carried my grandmother
Up and down two flights of stairs
Daily
So she wouldn’t fall
Or have to crawl
He loved her
Just now
A man living in a group home
Called his girlfriend
To wish her good night
His dentures broke
Under the strain of a pork chop
And a hot cup of coffee
He keeps the replacements in a case
For formal visits
What he lacks in cognition
He makes up in passion, humor, and empathy
He reminds her to brush her teeth
“Take care of your teeth, baby
So they don’t end up like mine”
He has no money
No teeth
No job
But he laughs
She is all he needs
He loves her
(12/12/19)
About the Creator
Gene Lass
Gene Lass is a professional writer, writing and editing numerous books of non-fiction, poetry, and fiction. Several have been Top 100 Amazon Best Sellers. His short story, “Fence Sitter” was nominated for Best of the Net 2020.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.