It is stunning how quickly
someone so high, great, strong, mighty
can fall ill and weak

Nothing in these lands, seas, and oceans
planets, stars, and galaxies
is more painful than when
I watched you
my caregiver, idol, confidant, and love
writhe in pain
in those deathly white sheets
Helplessness
like a demon
possessed my vulnerable body
and rushed saltwater
to the inner corners of my bloodshot eyes

I’d **** just to heal you.