Memories They Can't Erase

She cleans the sofa from the crumbs they left behind He mends the threshold of the doorstep in his mind and slips away To a younger time in an older place She folds the sheets and pleats the clothes in tidy lines He looks around tries to remember where's that tool he left behind The neurons like small gods erase The foreground The background The smooth curves become lined Every Sunday they go out and share a meal The hum of fellow diners reminds them of a comfortable appeal Something strong And how they used to get along But now they order up and say grace Smile at their server Appreciate the kindness on her face The foreground The background Memories they can't erase And till the food comes they look their separate ways They mouth forgotten songs whispered from another place Their lips don't move upon their face And when she comes they animate Her youthfulness they celebrate A common thread seasons their plate The foreground The background Memories they can't erase