HOME IS WHERE THE MIND IS
Surrounded by lush gardens,
The nursing home stood
Stark-bleak-lifeless
Mirroring the old souls
Within its walls
Housed and sheltered
My dad waited there
In his last refuge
Separated from a world
He no longer understood
Before each visit, I agonized
Would he recognize me?
Could he remember his home?
Would he beg to return?
How will I respond?
If I speak of memories shared
Will this stir fleeting moments
Of good-times past
Making it painful to remain
Where I knew he must?
He never asked about...
Relatives, friends, or home
This was his home, his reality
I was the one who had to adjust
As home is where the mind is
I watered the lush gardens
With my tears