The Patient

     
Schubert's Cello Quintet      
ear to the Chinese carpet,      
tracheotomy at his throat,      
poorly, waiting for a cuddle.      
Breafast from a spoon      
a little at a time      
tablets, pills and potions,      
sharing the serenade,      
patience and understanding      
trust, as in past years      
love and its reward      
for eleven years . . . .      
bones,and woodland walks.      
Strange places, sudden sleep      
dizzy turns,supper on a spoon      
sleeping in the master's bedroom      
a light all night,      
hear the struggled breath      
hands to assure a quiet night      
dream of trees and summer walks      
a bone again and biscuits,      
when the tube has gone.