Getting Older Poem by Bernadette Wiggin

As she ages
The signs do show
For the last few years
Blow after blow
First the ears
Very infected
Then the pancreas
Inflamed and unexpected
Weak joints would follow
Day after day
Increasingly worse
In her old age
She cannot jump onto the bed
Or climb the stairs
It’s what she dreads
After a nap
Standing up is hard
Hind legs are limp
In this regard
Needing help from mom
In times of stress
Seemingly helpless
And under duress
Despite all this
She keeps on going
Bringing joy to my life
Without even knowing
One day soon
Her life will end
But she will remain
In my heart ‘till the end