A Twist Of Fate Poem by Donal Mahoney

Ten years ago,
when they were tykes
just in their 70s,

Melvin used to tell Emma
eat your Wheaties
because you're younger

and when we get old,
you'll have to push
my wheelchair down

the long and silent halls
of this nursing home so
we can get to the cafeteria

in time for breakfast.
Melvin was a kidder then
but now the time has come.

Folks in the cafeteria hear
Melvin slurp his Wheaties
and gulp his coffee before

he leans over to help Emma
with a napkin and then slowly
wheels her back to the room.