The metallic tang
Of disinfectant still
Haunts me
I remember the papery rustle
Of thin sheets
Against your cotton gown
And the constant mask
Of pain
That painted your
Innocent face

You've never looked so young
And I've never felt so old
I can't forget
How you grabbed my hand
And asked me to stay
With pleading eyes
And my heavy heart
Chained me to that bed
I would have stayed there forever