Shaking the rails.

 She growled and grabbed and gurgled her frustration.

At her body’s sudden betrayal:

broke all its promises too soon.

At me, at God, and anyone walking in the hall.

All I could do is hold her hand as she

Squeezed and gurgled what I imagine to be 

Thank you.

Helpless, each of us, 

Her: to communicate.

Me: to offer anything more than the tiniest of comforts.  

I ache with sadness, grieving a little for her crumbling 

Dignity, and a little for my own humanity.  

I’m not a God-fearing woman, 

But if I were, I’d pray tonight.

Please, O God, someday when I too

Am 64,

Don’t leave me in that terrible half light

Don’t tear my body for the sins of my mind 

To leave me half awake and

Half asleep.

Let me be, or if I am not to be, 

Spare me from shaking those rails, myself.