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