Death And The Living

She staggered, leaned on the arm clinically offered
The hospital smell made her retch
She felt as if her air had been cut off
Swooning her head swam into darkness

Strong arms lifted her up
Gentle hands undressed her
Careful eyes injected her
She slept

She awoke
Where was John, not there beside her
Where was her window
Her dressing table not yet paid for
God this is hospital, am I ill she thought
Oh no
Fear gripped her as she remembered the dream
No – reality – John is dead

Her sister collected her later that day
She lingered at the door
Felt she was deserting him
Confused, she wanted him so badly then
Around her, within her

Instead she ached and felt so old and second hand
Lonely and helpless

The taxi driver hurried her in
Held his coat as he got in himself
She half expected his sympathy
She wound down the window
Nearly screamed out
Wept instead
As a cold shiver
Took her home

This poem was written/submitted by Shaun William Hayes.