to her bedside

he moved quickly with feet

practiced in propelling

his wheelchair

he’d heard his wife’s moaning

growing increasingly agitated

and hurried to her bedside

to comfort and assure her

though she knew him not

--or did she? at that stage

near the end of life, how can

one be sure? if there was a chance

of her knowing his love

he wanted to be there with

gentle words and touch

toll

fear takes such toll

making me huddle

rather than stand erect

restricting my limbs

when i should reach out

keeping me muffled

when, for once, i should speak

perhaps i should wait

until what is dreaded

touches me

instead of cowering

in anticipation