One month in, with little change
the patient's family came daily, his friends
less
They talked to other families in the waiting area
comparing notes, sharing hugs
"Why is time so different in here?" one asked
"as if we are in outer space, or underground"
No one had an answer, but they all nodded their heads
Most nights, B laid in his bed alone
attached to tubes and wires
only beeping machines kept him company
The greeting cards on his wall faded and curled on the edges
the shiny balloons lost their helium and sat on the floor
worn out
The presence or absence of stimuli: part four