I remember, most clearly
the soothing patterned carpet
industrial comfort
absorbing the acoustic emotions
bouncing off the
bland pastel green walls
a volunteer massages your feet
and I wonder who would do that job
for free
today's filtered light
shades the tension of my presence
history's viscous fluid
oozes through every conversation
talk of sailing and security,
of custard and pureed apples
and cost effective chemo
and books, so many books
that you would never read
you laugh, as always
I try but it's not the same
it's empty and we all hear it
John is there too
taking care of you and everything
and your wife, who he would one day love
Today I see how I am just like you
I left you too
