Watercolors

Room 5833.

Intensive care unit.

Spectrum Health downtown.

I used to work in this hospital.

12 years prior in the North Building.

Everything looks different now.

There are snake plants where there was once a fountain.

The elevator makes the same familiar squeaking noise.

It's like walking into a watercolor painting.

This is so surreal.

Dave, you need to wake up.

I need you.

Your cats need you.

You are still needed here on earth.

Don't leave.

Only it's too late.

He had a heart attack and has low brain activity.

I have my hand on his arm.

I talk to him while he is in a coma.

I touch his beautiful koi tattoo and imagine myself as a fish swimming in the water upstream like the old Chinese story.

You won't be a dragon until you reach the bridge.

The bridge and dragon are freshly inked on the top of his chest.

Has the fable been completed?

Was it only a matter of time before he went over the bridge and walked to the pearly gate?

Number Nine and Pimento his beloved black felines are already at the gate waiting for him.

Along with friends who have passed before him.

Buddha himself, out of his own element is waiting there at the back of the line almost unnoticed waiting to shake Dave's hand and compliment his existence.

I let go of his arm and am pulled back into reality.

*This poem is featured in "Peeling Sanity."

Check out my Author Page on Facebook!

Check out my Poetry!

Check out my Music Articles!

Check out my Beauty Articles!

Check out my Makeup Articles!