deepundergroundpoetry.com

I Watched You Die

Each day I start with a book
A yawn, a stretch, and I thump thump thump down the steps
Eager as each day before

A navy armchair and fluorescent desk lamp
are the only friends of mine.

Each day I start with a book
Switch on my lamp, find my page, and I'm lost in thickening daze
Just as each day before

I'm grateful for my friends
The chair rests my limbs
as the lamp illuminates forgotten words

Each day I start with a book
But a week or so ago,
something was not quite right
perched on my chair, I switched on my lamp
But something was off.

"Now, not a moment's more thought, time is ticking away"
So I crack open my book, and find my page
Eager as each day before

Each day I start with a book
But just the other morning,
perched on my chair, I switch on my lamp, and I squint at the page
I never had to squint before.

Though, I was lost in plot
And I decided not to give it another thought.

Each day I start with a book
But on this day, I notice my dimming lamp.
Where her light is a reliable fluorescent white,
She now shone dull yellow-gold
But I was intent on finishing my book
Eager as each day before

That was the last day I started with a book
perched on my chair, for hours I sat,
letting my eyeballs lazily scroll forgotten words
I read late into the night.

And I was just getting
to the good part
when everything
went dark.

Dedicated to my very much loved mother... I hope you find your light again soon