My mind swims with thoughts of
the shell of the woman left in the hospital bed.
Steeled by my sister’s cautionary warning,
I entered slowly, committed to concealing any reaction.
Curled in the fetal position,
Her bony shoulders poked through the flimsy blue gown.
I stroked what was left of her hair,
The mane she spent countless hours and dollars on.
Full lips thinned, cheekbones overly pronounced,
A yellowed tube threaded up through her left nostril.
She didn’t move or speak
Just a forced smile
Failing to distract me from the somber reality
and the acrid medicinal smell.
Resolve waning, tears building
I quickly moved toward the door
Once in the hall,
My heart cracked wide open.