Cries of the Pretenders

Maybe I thought they will be here forever. Or maybe it didn't sink in that in the midst of growing up and discovering the world, they too are growing old. For when I bid my goodbyes and planted kisses on their cheeks, I didn't notice the wrinkles that's replacing their once smooth, supple skin. I didn't notice their cries of back ache nor their complaints about their blurring vision. They've hidden it from me. Surely I forgot that my parents are the greatest pretenders. 

They pretended that they weren't hungry and that it's okay for me to eat the last piece, 

They pretended that they were okay and would encourage me to just spend my salary on my needs and wants and not theirs, 

They pretended that they weren't experiencing any sort of sickness and my dumb self believed them. 

For I didn't notice their shortening endurance nor the heaviness of their breaths after a quick stroll in the park. I didn't notice their soggy skin that's losing elasticity. I didn't notice how they increase the volume of our television when they're watching the news for I was too immersed in my technological bubble. I didn't notice and I wasn't paying attention enough for I took them for granted. I took for granted their presence and their company. And so, to the pretenders that I took for granted, I will always love you. You will be remembered and our memories together will forever be engraved in my heart. I'm leaving you now to the arms of the Lord for I know He won't let you go astray.

They said you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I say, you knew what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it.