To My Elderly Parent

I realized listening was what was needed

Should I interject at any point

It would change the momentum of the reminiscing

Do I really need to feel how this person felt?

Just because I am from their loins,

am I obligated to show compassion?

But, I realized listening was what was needed

Moments of silence

And I listened

And when the apologies for taking up my valuable time

started,

I realized listening was what was needed

affirmations, confirmations, delivered out of respect,

more poised on trying to stay in tune

Soon, like a quantum leap

we are back to today

And, “I Love You” is always heard