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

the bond of touch

the bond of touch

after seeing a black and white photo by William Wood

hair tumbling to her waist she sits straight-backed but not resisting

his hand gathering that silken hair to rest on her shoulder

expressing hope, care and tenderness in his touch

awakening in youth

what will bond and succor each

through pains and triumphs

of human life

                                    mjNordgren 5/31/2022  N