What does an old man wake up to do?

He reads the newspaper, skips the date.
Keeps a pen in his pocket, nothing to sign.
Irons his shirt, nowhere to be.
Waters his plants, enjoying the only company.
Takes four naps to pass the time.

Polishes his shoes that he won’t wear.
Practices knotting his tie to teach his grandchildren,
doesn’t know it’s not the “style” anymore.

Waits for replies that never come, so he doesn’t message twice.
Laughs at jokes he doesn’t understand, just to remain in the circle.

Waits all day for his grandchildren to return;
they crawl to their rooms.
“They probably had a tough day,” he thinks.
They haven’t forgotten him,just remember when it’s convenient.

Calls to them,no response. Active noise cancellation.

His phone buzzes.
They send a sticker of a heart.
He thought it was a stamp,
tried peeling it with a trembling hand.

While the world outside updates, he replays.