Their hair, now white
But their faces hold
familiarity, reassurance

Logic causes confusion
And my brain and heart
disagree over time’s passing

As they stand nearby
Smiling and talking
I feel a flicker of childhood

My reflection disagrees
But for a brief moment
I am once again carefree

What do they see when they look at me?

We listen more intently
Our hugs linger a bit longer
And I understand it took a village

Another goodbye followed by
A renewed sense of gratitude
for this familiar reassurance