The patient, under a staircase,
in the hall.
The nurse is administering Morphine.
Her qualifications available.
on a plastic badge
pinned to her blue uniform.
I read Psalm 139.
Word flags of salvation,
all present, standing at attention.
The daughter’s false eyelashes,
decorating a plain face.
Slim and tattooed,
Walked me to the door.
The air thin, quiet, growing distant.
settled on a blue clapboard house
The porch light breathing
like a pulse,
