In a Circle

"I can see it happening,"
She said, rocking back and forth, gently
"In a few years from now,
I'll be in an asylum.
You'll come and visit me, right?
I always feel I'll remember you.
You, out of all the people.
That part of my memory will never go.
Come. Okay? Don't forget me.
I know I'll feel better if you do.
You have that effect on me,
You make me feel a lot calmer.
But, listen... promise me this.
Don't come out of pity. Just don't.
Come if you still love me,
Come only if, you still love me."

She stopped. Tilted her head.
Stared at me.
As if, she could see straight into my soul.
Then she went back to rocking
Back and forth, gently.
As if she sat on a rocking chair.
And continued to mumble to herself.
The nurse was here.
It was my cue to leave.
I'd kept my promise.
Loved her still, I did.
And yes, she kept hers.
Out of all the people in the world,
She remembered me.