What A Difference A Vowel Makes Poem by Dale Harvey

Our banter at the bus stop, or sitting on a wall
when your breath ran out, buoyed us both.
But you have gone from know to knew.

That party we went to, such a dismal affair.
We escaped, laughing in despair at quiche made from spam.
But you have gone from know to knew.

Once you owned to fear.
Surgery by Christmas, would there be a New Year?
I hugged you and said there would, and there was.
Not then did you go from know to knew.

I saw your daughter and your son
emerge bemused from the disarray of your home.
I could have told them that for you
your independence was more important than an orderly décor.
But you had gone from know to knew
so I held my tongue.

I see you at the bus stop, silver hair, stooped of stance.
It takes more than a glance to convince me,
to accept, that you have passed from know to knew.