She stands in front of

the mirror

admiring her reflection:

two neat braids,

a new dress,

shiny shoes,

ready to start her

first day of school.

 

Strangers,

A strange place.

What adventures await her?

Who will be her friends?

Will they like her?

Will she like them?

What if she forgets their names?

What if she can’t remember how to write her own name?

What if she gets lost walking home?

Will someone find her and tell her

she was missed,

is loved?

 

She peers into

the mirror

straining to see her reflection:

her white hair combed,

her favorite sweater,

orthopedic shoes.

Ready to start her

first day of geriatric care.

 

Strangers,

A strange place.

What happened to the old days?

Where are her friends?

Do they remember her?

What if she forgets her loved ones’ faces?

What if she can’t remember they love her?

What if she gets lost?

Will someone find her and tell her

what she knows in her heart:

she is missed,

she is loved.

 

Eve T. Remillard