Her lips were cracked, I felt along-
The ridges cold and crude
Her bladder seeped onto the sheets
I wrung my hands; withdrew

Her heart was still a living drum
I called red-lights and blue  
To take her to the machine place
The hospital, my pew

And when she woke- I seldom spoke
Of what I had been through
Nor she for she was equally
A secret-keeper too