Who

I have encountered bats

flying face near my face

in a semi darkened cave

snakes in the water

and on the ledge

where I swim

a bear crossing the road

and too many dead deer

to even remember

and ghosts drifting

gently across my bedroom

but what I fear most is

not being here

to remember these things

who will remember

the joy of cold spring water,

of a grandchild in my arms,

the aching sadness

of loss, foreclosure

divorce, death

and simply moving away?

as I have done

dozens of times

who will remember?