Let me close my eyes,
while you lean over the railing-
to kiss my head//
My cheek,
Don’t let go of my hand,
my heart – please,
The heart monitor is beeping again
my temperature climbing &
the IV is tugging,
And – we – lean
our foreheads together,
Closing our eyes,
I’m just trying to breathe
as we listen to the elderly lady whose forgotten her name
Not far down the hall screaming in pain and for “Mommy”,
and tears of pain & compassion are falling,
You squeeze my hand to steady me,
Today feels like a long sad dream,
Breathe//
Steady//
Breathe.
Gretchen Leary (McIntire) 