So Tired

Shushing as we file through
The heart of the hospital
We shuffle past the living remains
Of premature mummification

Everyone is so silent
Sickness taking their words
I wonder how much they have to say
As yellowed eyes look up to greet us

The one I want is curled in her bed
Not skeletal yet
Just thin and too tired
She smiles as we arrive

Does she see our sombre expressions?
Read into us her shortening days
As children and grandchildren
And restrained great grandchildren
Take short turns by her bed?

I want to pick her up
Run with her out of this place
Sit with her in the shade
Of a sunny place

Her hand holds mine
The last refuge for her strength
Squeezing out my shakes
I want to stop the tears
That keep blurring the room
I don't want her to see my sadness

I turn and blot at my eyes
She can't hear much
Put she follows my movements
With eagle eyes

A smile slowly lights her face
"I'm tired, she says
It's time to go
And we shuffle out
Long faced and silent
This is her time
Her time to sleep
Sleep well Granny.