In the hospital

In the hospital you said,

“We used to have fun,

you and I,

when you were little.”

you held my hand tightly

and I couldn’t feel

my fingers

You said,

“You were a terror

knocking down

the houses

I’d built of cards.”

I leant forward

in the uncomfortable chair

left for uncomfortable visitors

smiled

and laughed too loudly

agreed

I talked about the kite

we made

together

that wouldn’t fly properly

until it’s frame broke

in a spectacular crash landing

you did a hasty repair

and finally

it flew

You held my hand and said,

“Anyway, ninety-one’s pretty good,”

and I laughed as if you were joking

kissed your cheek

and left

as if nothing was wrong

Somewhere a house

of cards

fell down

**************************************

Background:

Recently my Pa wasn't very well and the conversation we had before his operation to remove a bowel obstruction frightened me so I needed to write about it. The ending is about my fear, not Pa's demise & in fact, he's doing very well.