The Parents

My cat and I negotiate daily life

in our space of quiet and semi-predictable routine.

Although perceiving myself as flexible,

I'm possibly more fossilized than I'd like to believe.

So, enter my parents into this ordered world

after surgeries to assist and provide care.

Grateful and quite in need of their help,

on two occasions my cozy but small abode we shared.

In a small office room I rearranged the furniture

and moved out the cat's poop box and food.

That my parents and their things occupied this space,

is something over which he did continually brood.

Suitcases and shelves soon overflowed with their things

and an air mattress was brought out for their bed.

Apologizing for this humble spread for their slumber,

assurances on their part were repeatedly said.

Soon after arriving my mom's actions made it clear

that my "one-bum" kitchen was hers to run.

Many meals she cooked and in complete spoiled fashion,

I didn't worry about the dishes being done.

A highlight of Dad's day is the The Price is Right

and bidding on the showcase is a serious endeavor.

"No, Dad I don't want to bid on the showcase."

"But what's your bid?" Sigh, "Ok, 24,000." Whatever!

After 57 years together, their conversings

sport affection, irritation and humor combined.

Whether card games, shopping choices or

planning the day, their paths are thoroughly entwined.

My mother notes that her forgetfulness is worse

and she one more time cannot find her keys.

Without his hearing aids my father quizzically responds,

"What did you say is wrong with your teeth?"

In spite of my medical woes that brought us together,

we look back at these events as good times.

Simple daily routines and small outings shared

offset the surgery distress and meds in the night.

That we came together in this sort of fashion

does not imply we are strangers to conflict rest assured.

Rather that a deep appreciation has been cultivated

from the challenges and struggles that collectively we have endured.