A drive to Escanaba
No moonlight, but
A bright earthy day
Autumn colors arousing
Tamaracks were burning yellow
As though candles lit in celebration
I am on my way to visit a friend
He is in dialysis and sits
For many hours racked with pain
Arthritis, neuropathy and body breakdown
No one offers morphine
He does not ask
Patient and steadfast he waits
Incompetent aids, though idle,
Fail to help him when all he needs
Is a position adjustment
It is a time for action and
I walk to their station
They stop their chit-chat as
I ask for their help, but
Hear complaint that
They were just there
He needs an adjustment
Compliance is halfhearted
His countenance speaks
“Can you believe this,
How can they not care?”
There is no response I can give
Looking around I see litter
I patrol and clean the area
The idlers are still talking and
When asked where to put it
They point to a waste basket,
My friend bids me goodbye
While leaving I wonder
How long will his waiting last?
Stanski
May 4, 2022. ^
Steve Haarman 