for irene, november 2001

Leaves fall, singly
and in groups, whirling
to lie, orange. yellow,
fading to brown
on the city street.

You fell, singly..
whilst i was away - whirling
to a hospital room where
you lay, marooned,
pinned in the bed
witless with fear.
Holding your hand, i didn't see..
your life vaporising;
drifting as we spoke..
and after I'd gone,
blithely planning
to see you soon,
you dropped like a stone,
sudden, true.

My blindness has me blundering,
low; searching for you..
wanting the silence
to say goodbye..