In here, the past is paper fragments. We gather them up and try to remember. One sings. The song happens in the middle of a room. The occupants of the room are engaged in various tasks. The tune is off, the phrasing disjointed. No one minds.
In here, only new arrivals worry about death. We all did, says a veteran resident. But you get over it. How? We want to know. The resident explains how something breaks. It’s like a levee and you let it because it won’t be stopped. The flow is too fast and the volume too high.
Besides, the resident adds, you can float. Besides, the resident adds. You’ll land somewhere. Eventually. Now, we let it take us when it comes. We float in this narrow strait, washing between shores according to the tides. Paper is gone now, but songs pass through, sometimes.
Wow.
This post should have come with a warning.
Old people do not read!!!
The poem made me think of Dr. Sleep, the horror book/movie by Stephen King, where Danny/Doc has a job in the nursing home and using his shining, or special paranormal gift, he comforts the dying. Your poem was very ponderous and real.
Thomas, what a generous comment. Thank you.