BY MAC LOGAN
Circumspect they leave their car,
unsteady feet, attentive hands.
Heads close as milongueros.
Bright sun sprays kisses, never felt,
through a fog of shared concern.
A leaden tempo suits their dance.
Her hand grips rail, her elbow held.
Tense shoulders meet and balance,
as slow steps reach a fateful door.
I follow in the wake of pain
and sit nearby, aware, empathic.
No blether fills their waiting.
The doctor comes and calls a name.
She stands slow, when erect limps off,
her man’s strong help conniving, hidden.
I, alone, witness subtle bolstering.
Asked … a withered hand, hip-height, reaches back.
Given, a caressing low-five of support.
Such depth.
Years of love in a brushing,
gentle touch.
Solitary, with his magazine,
eyes stare, unfocused,
reading not an inky word.
For just a mo’ our eyes connect.
Raw fear exposed, a glimmer just,
and withdrawn, fast as a pounding heart.
A brittle smile, a nod … alone,
a weary head drops blank-eyed
and yearns her pale return.
How many years their love o’ercame
cruel slings and arrows, rocks and stones?
Now trapped in life’s departure lounge.
She’s back, a new appointment made.
Delicate steps move away, in hope
or resignation, I cannot say.
My name is called …
Copyright Mac Logan
Mac Logan is a Scottish Poet & Author.