A quiet peaceful woman Rosary clutched tightly Clad in white Thick rimmed glasses Toothless smile Young minds cross her Everyday No one stops Shouting, questioning, They walk away. Small mercy: she’s deaf She sits by the window Looking outside Seeing a world That’s left her behind She gets up happy To be beaten and unfed Left in the hands of selfish regret Small mercy: she forgets. She stares at today But faces yesterday Her face is hopeful Her emotions: inept She looks at her world Fragrances of flowers Beauty and smiles. Small mercy: she’s immobile. An enchanting woman In a disheveled body: Broken legs Deaf ears Chained in Alzheimer’s. Small mercy: her heart is fed Her soul is complete Her dreams are covered Her thoughts in-shield