THE VISIT
This is a very old nest
empty for years save for
the old caretaker.
Kept clean and neat
with great effort,
which is a major chore at any age.
Keep things as they were
for memories are prompted by
things in their places.
This old empty nest
will soon have
a bird returning.
Time to start the “no
senility here” drill with
lots of yellow post –its.
Date and time of arrival
on the refrig and big calendar
check to make sure you have it right.
Stock the larder,
prepare the menu and
select the wines.
Menu selected with ease
of preparation
and available ingredients.
Clean off desk to look
business like and the site
of complete control of all accounts.
Each loving visit an inspection
to see if the nest keeper
needs a new nest and keeper.
Air port run easy as
every possible way of getting
in the wrong lane and to the
wrong terminal has been tried before.
Looked relaxed and
not concerned that
the plane is an hour late.
Pretend to hear every word
so softly spoken
on the ride home.
Dinner prepared so long ago
that it is hoped
not too ripe.
Lots of good red wine
and chatter trying not to nod
and off to bed with a note :
“that travel does so exhaust one.”
Up at dawn, coffee on
and looking vital
and all there.
Fill the day with
ever busier great events
with no sign of fatigue.
In every way send
the unspoken message of:
“ this is the way I am every day!”
Cover the forgotten time
of departing plane
with a wish motivated by a longer stay.
Come back to the again empty nest
and collapse watching exciting
football games yet unable to keep awake.
Wake to breath a thankful sigh.
for soon the word will be out
to all the players by
the magic of the internet:
“he is OK and still able
to care for himself.”
Doug Minnis 10/11/10