Topics:
dyspnea
Through panes I watch
the trade of purple to red
halt.
Monitors darken
preceding terminal liberation.
Stiff
stoic.
The hour and minute recorded.
I shamble away.
Alone.
Just as he was.
Caring strangers no proxy
for family.
Our compliant connections once allowing
free exchange
now inhibited.
Fibrotic.
I heave
a burdensome breath.
Permission to reprint granted to the American Society of Anesthesiologists by copyright author/owner.
2022
