I sit on the park bench next to you,
Flipping through old memories of lipstick stains and
Blurred nights with conversation over smoked salmon and
How my tie wasn’t situated to your liking.
You almost choked on your asparagus after hearing that
Fishing story of how I couldn’t fish, and I ran to give you a
Couple slaps on the back, but you waved me away because
You didn’t need saving.

A withered face with a tangled gray mane peers
Over my right shoulder at the moments in my
Trembling hands.
Who are they? You say.
They look so happy.
Why are they happy?

I turn towards you, my gaze shifting from the beautiful woman
In the picture to the frail woman before me.
They are in love, I say.
They smile because they are in love.
And they love because they are happy together.

The woman looks at me and blinks like a
Child does after just learning of the origin of life.
She takes a hand and fumbles for her car keys once more,
Her fingers reaching into her purse and catching air.
Did you forget? The last time you drove was
Eight years ago.
Oh, I knew that. I was just going to
Touch up my lipstick.

I grab your shaking hand, bringing you back
Down to Earth.
I’ll take you home, ma’am, and maybe
While we’re there, I could make some of your
Favorite smoked salmon and asparagus.
Your hazelnut eyes flit up to meet mine, and you
Furrow your brows and stick out your bottom lip.
I’ve never had salmon or asparagus before, but it
Sure does sound lovely.