Midnight in Suburbia

The hours
between dusk and dawn
are fraught
with sleepless thoughts
and listening
for the loved one's voice
or footsteps echoing
through the house.

There is no sleep,
no rest
for the caregiver
only the dozing vigilance
of responsibility
and selfless love.

At midnight in suburbia,
a caregiver rises
responding
to the frightened weeping
or the terrified screams
of a spouse or parent
suffering
from dementia.