Vigil
Sleepless-sore eyes burn and water,
Cold gray tile reflecting back its compassionless marble stoniness;
Toneless heartbeat-hum — some unseen machine,
Sullen fluorescence casting gray shadows,
Sweet-stringent stench of alcohol.
Motionless form, husband, before me
lies in pain-punctured half-slumber.
Wall clock clicking off sick-seconds,
Marking misery,
Taking time,
Leeching life:
Hurry healing.
Written at Neal’s hospital bedside