Dad had a nickname for Mom, he called her Agent 99 which he used quite often. ( Agent 99 to his 86–From the Get Smart spy spoof series) . It still makes us all smile to think of it. I used the goldfish as a metaphor for this disease because they also have short memories.
Dave returned every other week
To Dad’s forgetful disdain
And Dad complained,
Who is that
What does he want
I don’t want anyone here.
I can do that.
Tell him to leave.
Tell him to go.
I’ll do it tomorrow.
Mom’s response
always the same
That’s Dave; he’s here to cut the grass.
Right on schedule,
Like Dad’s reply
I don’t want anyone here.
I can do that.
Tell him to leave,
Tell him to go,
I’ll do it tomorrow.
Mom’s cue to fly out the door
As if on a mission.
Satisfied, he’d been heard
Dad waved her out.
Dave quickly finished and left.
When Mom returned to the chateau
Dad remarked good work, 99.
Mom blinked; thank you in Morse code.
She excelled at most things, while saving the world.
C. S. De Dona 08-12-22
Corney Press 