By Suzanne Chait-Magenheim, LCSW This is a poem about Suzanne’s mother who died in 2010 This poem was written 10 days after her father’s funeral, in 1995.
Lost in his big armchair Like a little lost waif Clutching his photo. Forlorn and lost Is that him at the door? 56 years. Together. She waits.
Is this a cruel joke? Suddenly, an empty house She heard the rabbi say His name at the funeral Hey, that’s Daddy’s name She whispered to her daughter That’s my husband’s name She thought Wait til I tell him. Be quiet, it’s Daddy’s funeral, Her daughter whispered back. Oh, he’s dead. I forgot. She waits.
Doesn’t remember the hospital. 6 weeks they say…. I was with him…they say I’m confused. Memory’s not so good anymore. He died. Daddy’s dead. When’s he coming home? 56 years. She waits.
The sweetest man who ever lived. A jewel of a man, the rabbi said. He’s all I know. He’s the only one I ever liked, I tell my daughter. We had a wonderful love life, I tell her. But you dated a lot, her daughter said. Oh, that didn’t mean anything. Oh, you yelled at him all the time Oh, that didn’t mean anything. We were together. That’s all that mattered. 56 years.
Where’s Daddy? He died. When? 10 days ago That’s all? She waits.
I don’t remember his being ill. Oh, he sat in his chair and didn’t go out anymore But we were happy just to be together. We were supposed to grow old together. He did, my daughter says. No, no, it’s not possible. He’ll come in the door. 56 years. She waits.
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