E. Herd (Ventura, CA)

Holding hands in silence
walking out of the elevator
and into the hallway
boy and girl
following the leader
towards the activity room
girl drops boy’s hand
and hides in an alcove

Her absence is missed
she is brought out of hiding, and
walks hand in hand with the leader
it’s time for sand painting
vibrant colors poured on table tops

Girl looks at the sand and smiles–
light in her eyes
like sun shimmering on the ocean
then she looks towards the window.
Does she remember a moment
at the beach?
Is she seeing it now?

Some are in wheelchairs,
Some with walkers,
she sits in her chair
back tall, still smiling.