DAY 13 - NOTHING IS FOREVER

 NOTHING IS FOREVER

She sets vases of willow branches 

around the house while Judy Collins 

sings "Forever Young," in her high, clear soprano.

Nothing lasts, she thinks, especially not youth.

Her life passing, the days race forward 

too swiftly to stop. She wonders how 

she has come to be here, at this place in time.

Much later, lonely in the silent night,

she reaches for her husband's hand,

listens for his his soft, muffled breathing,

soothing like a lullaby.

She dreams of babies who are grown,

as the darkness lays down beside her.