They sit by the sea

Hand in hand

Lost in reminiscences

Both understand

Gaze unseeingly

At the wondrous view

As former memories

Mingle with the new

His youthful self

Selfish, impatient

Deriving pleasure

Calling her ancient

Her defence

Of bad behaviour

Childish delight

In shared humour

She taught independence

Set him free

Backseat presence

His security

Elderly now

Losing her balance

Requires full time

Assistance

Tires of telling her

She is not an obligation

Her strength of character

Source of admiration

She stands, holds his arm

Afraid to fall

Now he is the parent

Does not matter at all

By Margaret Karim

From: United Kingdom