To The Bearded Chap In Bed Six

              
                       
I'm leaving tomorrow              
herewith thoughts for you              
to borrow              
             
she's six          
-your daughter              
while visiting she sang "happy birthday"              
as you couldn't sing to her              
she mentioned              
a bully at school          
he sounds like a tool              
think you should look into that              
Apparently              
he broke a bracelet you gave her              
she was distraught            
at what your reaction would be              
Told her              
"daddy understands"              
-hope you don't mind              
seeing              
you couldn't do it              
I felt one less pressure on her      
may              
     -well may              
                be the difference in sleep              
             
Your wife mentioned your anniversary              
it was Monday              
-brought chocolate              
the nurses moved it        
they say nuts are      
a dietary problem              
I suggested they don't tell her              
so that you can relate  
how you enjoyed them              
What a blessing to be married      
19 years and four days        
             
Oh!  
The mumbles heard in the early hours        
-your son              
I believe its some time since you spoke              
he sat here        
after midnight      
most nights      
reciting a letter        
he's written for you              
-I suggest              
mentioning you've heard it              
but would love to hear it again             
             
I hope this protects you              
more effectively than      
the disinfectant on your arms              
where drip holes once gouged            
or taps in our chests    
pumping chemicals did
This ward is small              
your bed, against the wall           
             
just to say, if I may              
while fighting to read this letter today              
God, you have an amazing crew              
its no wonder you held through