by H Brown

Created on: July 15, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2011

"Dignity"

I know on some level
I am still loved
their infrequent visits
which I cannot snub
like most others here
I'm put out of sight
and out of their mind
until a holiday night
on which I feign glee
at seeing growth at young speed
carrying such sweets
I'm obliged not to eat
they come and they go
but this place remains same
tucked away in the woods
below a hospital plain
I used to dwell free
in a house of proud shack
until I couldn't hide proof
of these damned attacks
their decision was ratified
by one side or the other
I'll never know which
fought best for his mother
my proud shack was sold
pays for my time here
can't imagine what happens
if I live five more years
these things are snippets
compared to horrors shushed here
talking, really talking
with others fills me with fear
they say I will see
specters riding the air
when they come through the walls
I'll know why they're there
I blame not my children
they couldn't have known
but they did confuse dignity
with not dying alone.

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