Dementia took my mother:

it was goodbye but still here.

A decade of sobbing

could never bring her mind back.

Ten long years it took her

to let go of reasons to live.

Cancer took my father:

it was goodbye and nothing left.

Ten short months of wailing

couldn’t rid him of his assailant.

It ate him up, cell by strand,

and we watched him disappear.

Yet though I’ve said goodbye

Inside, they’re still here.