For A Moment, I Forgot

“Hold your tongue, we’re not alone”,
She said, and grabbed my arm.
“These people can’t be trusted, Dear.
They mean to do us harm.”

She led me down the corridor,
Into her tiny room.
With frightened eyes, her voice cracked,

“They’re coming for me soon.”

“They sneak in while I’m sleeping, Love.
They hover ’round my bed.
I don’t know their intentions,
But I’m sure they wish me dead!”

I took her tiny, fragile hand
And whispered quietly,

“Now Grandma, they’re just here to help.
They check in hourly.”

A moment of remembrance shone
As I looked into her eyes.
Then tears sprang forth and briefly fell,
Which took her by surprise.

“We talked about this yesterday?”

The realization came.

“You said the nurses were my friends”,
She said, with sudden shame.

I tried a comforting smile, but
I’m fairly sure I failed.

“That’s right, now let’s go have some lunch,
You’re looking rather frail.”

We took a stroll along the hall,
Her tiny hand in mine.
And for a moment, I forgot,
Pretending she was fine.