On previous visits
She’d sat up in a wheelchair
A twinkle of mischief in her eyes
We’d talk and laugh
Listening to accordion music
She had played the instrument for many years
But today she lay in bed
A tiny figure covered with a blanket up to her chin
Her eyes were closed when I walked in
Someone had arranged her hair
In a little ponytail atop her head
It looked so cute
I leaned in close and said
“Wake up sleepy head”
She slowly opened her eyes
“It’s you” she said
“yeah it’s me”
Though her voice was very weak
Her face lit up with a smile
She lay very still
But her hand came up to touch my cheek
“Would you like accordion music?” I asked
She shook her head
“Shall I play my favorite music for you?”
She nodded
And so we listened to Brahm’s lullabye
As I began to la la la to the music, she softly did with me
La la la, la la la, da da da da da da da
We listened to wonderful music for forty five minutes
And when it was time for me to go
I touched her cheek and said
“You’ve got a sweet spot on your cheek”
I’ll not wipe it off, but leave it there for next time
She smiled and we sang our goodbye song
As I walked down the hall I wondered
How much weaker would she be next time
As she lay in her bed