Patient Two

They sit by my bed when I am awake, family

Or some one that acts so, holding my hand.

One comes in her wheeled chair.²

The bed is soft, the blankets warm around me,

Outside the birds visit the feeder picking out their lunch

I can see through the trees to the stream.³

At night the girl wheels about her squeaky cart;

Books, magazines, blankets, soda, candy⁴

What more could you want?

Sometimes there is the black woman with the rolling keyboard,

She will play your favorite song or sing a sad, antique hymn.⁵

There is a man with kittens or a woman with collies

if that is your thing. They do not bite or scratch.⁶

They bring food sometimes but I do not eat, except a bit of soup

Or a little ice cream now and then.⁷

The nurse takes my pulse, washes my face and body,

Adjusts the heat, moves the vase closer to my bed

So I can see the pretty flowers⁸

And gives away tiny, purple pills or peace in a syringe.

I feel little or no pain.⁹

When the doctor comes, I make him feel better

And tell him I am ready.

But what is ready and how do you leave this place

When all you love is here?

And who can rage when all the power is out?

I sleep.

When I feel well I sit in the whirlpool,

The lady rubs oil on my back and feet,¹⁰

The little ones come and sit on the bed,

The clown does his magic trick,¹¹

The Pastor prays his quiet prayers,¹²

And I wait.