Alex – Doesn’t Recognize Us
My poem about my father-in-law who doesn’t recognize us anymore…
Alex
Sitting on a wheelchair hunched down, hands tremble
Family 30 yards away but you’re so unaware
A blank stare says I’m sorry but I don’t recognize you
I’m your daughter, son, grandchild or a friend
How could you not remember me?
You knew a thousand poems verse by verse
Could tell jokes for hours and hours with no end
Your legendary wit and quick answers were flawless
Your essence made of honor, loyalty, charity and goodness of heart
Had ten thousand friends and a million loving fans
Now, we’re all but a blurred image in your eyes
For years you fed hundreds of birds
Bags of seed from your trunk
They recognized your car before you even parked
Generous to waiters, the gardener, painter or anyone in need
Wouldn’t show your emotions
But always wore your heart on your sleeves
Oh what I wouldn’t give to
Hear you call my name one more time
For you to tell my kids of your undying love
To hear one more poem, joke or witty response
To say salamati or play cards
Or just to share one more smile
Oh how I long to hear you say Sahih one more time
To see you put one hand over the other and do your famous dance
When grandkids walk in on Shabbat
To see that smile and the glimmer in your eyes
It used to mean they all got that special kiss
Close to their mouths
New year meant fresh dollar bills or a gold coin for all
You loved the Shah, Persian traditions and anything from Iran
You remembered the past but didn’t dwell on it
Held the US flag and the American way with open arms
Now you need help to eat, to sit or even walk
Maybe you don’t recognize any of us
But when we see you with our tearful eyes
We still see that proud passionate strong man
Who would do anything for family, friends
Or anyone that just asked
Aghajoon, Eskandar, Alex, Aghaye Sabet
We see you
We love you
We all know who you are
Even if you don’t recognize any of us
We see you
And we all know who you are
