change

i can only imagine the past that lies beyond my earliest memories.
i imagine can only imagine the way you once were.

you were strong: muscles clearly defined by your hard labors.
your hands were rough, like sandpaper: the result of years of hard work.
you were wise: you've gained experience throughout your lifetime.
you were a brother, a husband, a father.

i can faintly remember how you were in the past.
you were witty.
you craved sweets.
you were humorous.
you were wise.
you were a man of God.
and sometimes, you had a temper.
you were a brother, a husband, a father, and a grandfather.


i wish i could erase the image of how you are now from my mind.
you are afraid.
you are sick.
you are frail.
you cannot see.
you cannot remember.
you cannot understand.
you are hardly a brother; you are no longer a husband; you have no memory of your children or grandchildren.
you are alone; hiding somewhere in the depths of your mind.