Days by Keith

[cameron]

Tuesday: we sat out,
watched TV, talked over the
respirator’s hum.

Thursday: the respect
paying started. It was awkward,
him not being dead.

He tried too hard—pushed
medical amenities—
thought money mattered.

Saturday: we moved
him to a room with a view;
Dusty animals watched

as we laid him down.
On Sunday, the pain began
and soon the sweats came.

Monday brought farewells
and rumbling gasps. We knew then
that he wouldn't stay long.