my oldest brother called

he barely can speak

dementia takes control

ravages his soul

beyond belief

I recall a recent time

he was strong as can be

adjusting .. I can't maintain

a lifetime of drugs .. bell tolls

rope's end .. has become frayed

a few coherent words came forth

he needs to purchase dress shoes

I drove from the country

far .. far to the city

took him to the shoe store

exiting the passenger side

of the high up truck

he fell hard to the ground

injuring himself badly

cut deep .. lifeblood spilling

fortunately i'd a clean towel on hand

tightly wrapped his wounded arm

until finally the bleeding slowed

I picked him up easy

put him back in the truck

then I went inside the store

purchased shoes .. I hope he likes

drove him back to his drunken wife

I didn't shed any tears

until I made it back home

Copyright @October 2013

StandingBear