Smelly hallways,
same cheap disinfectant,
squeaky floors.
the
receptionist points "That way." Passing people
nurses, doctors, other
visitors
her eyes scanning the walls
the elevator ride
too long
for comfort
shifting from foot to foot
Dad leads the way to the
others
the rest of the family
is waiting no loud hellos, how are
yous, pats on the back
Tension clung to the air Through the final
door and
raspy breaths suddenly whisper through the air
machines
beeping
full of nurses all busy with
something. Passing curtain
walls
one two three
little dark cubicles
each with a bed and
their own beeping machines
all occupied
four five six seven
...pause...
He's in there. Step - by - step
fear slips in
through her feet Tears already burning Hands already
shaking Voice cracking Grandpa...? C'mon, just
just look
at him,
look at his eyes without crying
his eyes
closed
tight Please,
Please open them for her His eyes peel open
his eyes, so dull
no sparkle
no shine
no life... a tear
tumbles down her cheek
a tube down his throat inhales for him.
exhales...
another and another
tears keep falling he was… so
helpless
she… was so helpless he helped raise this girl.
carried her and walked with her through her childhood.
picked her up when
she fell.
bandaged her boo-boos and kissed them.
cooked for her and
fed her and taught her her language and her music,
and her culture
and
her life
and now she stands,
hands at her sides,
staring eye to
eye,
helpless. |
