Toothpicks and Water
I enter his room
He greets with his smile
Says I look tired
Should rest for a while.
If he is asleep
He wakes from dreamland
With a medicated grin
He’ll hold my hand.
He drifts back to sleep
Mouth hanging down
I cover him up,
Now I can frown.
He needs his comfort
Freedom from pain
Toothpicks and water
Kleenex and cane.
Sometimes he’ll ask
Hoarsely, what’s new
Interested in family
The world he knew.
Other times he twitches
Jerkily pats his hand
If he needs to pee
I hand him his can.
He doesn’t eat
Not hungry or full
Clears his throat
Spits in his bowl.
We hug our goodbyes
He is in no pain
Not sure if I’ll see him
Alive once again.
Toothpicks and water
Kleenex and cane
Dad’s needs are met
Death world made sane.
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