Deirdre Neilen, PhD: Claudia M. Reder is the author of several books of poetry. She reminds us of the bittersweet aspects of aging, when our bodies and minds can't be relied upon in the ways they once could. Here's her poem "To a Friend Whose Memory Is as Long as an Elephant's."
It is okay to forget that meal
where we waited forever to get served,
or the meal that was supposed to honor your dead mother,
where no one spoke of her,
or the time we spoke of your long memory
and my shorter one,
and I said it's not always helpful to be an elephant.
All that emotion atop of scoop of garlic
mashed potatoes with butter, whole milk and cream,
served with a side of grilled asparagus.
We shuffle to the kitchen for tea and back
serving each other lemon, honey, and tiny stirring spoons,
while waiting to hear from doctors for test results,
or for your sister to say she is sorry
which she never does.
I do not know who we will be on Wednesday
when your doctor calls.
I brush the names of the dead into my hair,
tucking the curls under a hat
to go about the business of living.
I remember your long legs on the outdoor chaise,
your golden retriever leaning against your thigh. We were hot,
sipping passionflower iced tea and laughing.
