I stare as they carry her out
She had been fighting, suffering
for so long
it was only a matter of time

I can only mourn for so long
as I continue on with my ever losing job
I turn to walk as the cat crawls out of her room

The next day, the old man
who used to call me by his daughter's name
passes after his favorite time of day,
4 o'clock
when the sun just begins to grow tired
and the wind picks up
with night's righteous fall

I pray a short prayer for the man who thought I was his
I turn to continue on with my ever losing job
as the cat rubs against my leg

The next day there is a visitor
room 303
there is yelling and harsh words
thrown back and fourth
and when the visitor leaves
there is silence
complete silence

I plead to the Lord that the visit will heal from this loss
if it were a loss.
I turn to carry on with my ever losing job
as the cat jumps in my way
and hisses

The next day is peaceful
there is no commotion
and no emergency calls

It is closing time for my ever losing job
I turn to leave my office
and the cat sits in my threshold
unblinking,
staring at me