richer by far

in this community living

for the laughter at our table

for the barbs given and taken

            with wit and smiles

for the freedom to leave as needed

            for the undisturbed

            haven of our own space

for the quiet words of concern

            and comfort as we lean

            near to be heard by

            only ourselves

withdraw

a few words, withdrawing

from family participation

and my heart aches for her

for them, for us

something is wrong which

we cannot touch, or even try

to help fix and i feel her

drawing into herself

when we would hold her close