Perfectly Unfinished
he’s waiting for you
my phone casually conveys on the tarmac
I already miss airplane mode
he can’t breathe, they’re intubating
an objection to terminating life support
if he can’t get enough air on his own?
I wish we could buddy breathe with one regulator
breath held as we taxi to the gate
fingers tingling, ears ringing
panic quickly fills my lungs longing
for precious air, I’ve been here before
I felt it in a dream when being pulled underwater
in a float tank deprived of all sound and light
in a sweat lodge as the heavy space closed in
I woke up, opened the lid, darted for the exit
but you can’t escape. Picturing you suffocate
battle for the breath you can not take
now I gaze at your fragile frame
being breathed in your ICU hospital bed
unexpectedly peaceful
wearing your identity like a loose garment
a shoe with more wiggle room, no longer stuck in your ways
as machines are shut off and all tubes detached
your gaping mouth invites cherished air – a force of habit
but the lungs finally surrender…its time
to go
even if your life is perfectly unfinished
Simple Gifts
large box delivered
today
peering longingly
treasure taller than she
Waiting… waiting for emptiness
so she can climb in
vast container
private space
enclosing herself
safe quiet sanctuary
rain has been falling
for over an hour
street now full of
puddles calling
Nothing… nothing could be more glorious than
ripples created
one giant leap
in shiny rubber boots
waves and whirlpools
oceans beneath her
grassy field filled with
dandelion seeds
bobbing blowballs
like mini fireworks
Gently…. gently she picks one
then a sharp inhale
swollen cheeks
giant puff
scatters mini chutes
drifting effortlessly away in the wind
fat candle burning
throws shadows on wall
mesmerizing flame
dancing freely
Watching… watching wide-eyed
thick pool spreads
chubby finger dips in
stinging
squeal of delight
hardens look! a finger glove!
Life delivers
simple gifts
value from
pleasure not price
child within
longing to freely explore
Illustration : Suman Mukherjee
