Looking for stars

October 2016

We pledged we would row together
Journeying far, looking for stars
Only your oar is broken
and your strength is fading
I'm going round in circles looking for you.

The cushions are piled high on your side
Stacked like a prison escapees ruse
Memories of hot, uncomfortable nights
when you went to places I could not follow
A reminder that your pain is too big for our bed.

Disinfected corridors, dark swinging doors
Starched blue uniforms and charts of names
Then you, my old you, still you
Pale and frightened
My darling man.