Checking Out

Checking Out by Edmund Siejka In the dimming of twilight My wife holds the phone close to her ear Lines of worry crisscross her face She is talking to her sister Whose husband is in the hospital And has taken a turn for the worse. “Charlie is not doing well He’s in a lot of pain and The drugs they gave him Aren’t working.” Feeling guilty I eavesdrop Catching bits and pieces of words and half sentences. Soon I stop listening When the drift of their conversation Turns to all things funeral. When it’s my turn in the hospital I’ll be sitting upright Propped by two pillows Sipping Bourbon Listening to classical music Until the refined host Introduces Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 Played by the Vienna Philharmonic The volume will not be too loud But loud enough for me To feel the orchestra’s strength. I know the hold of mortal flesh Is strong So I will lift my cup To the patient nurses Knowing when it’s time For myself to leave I will let intuition guide me And help my spirit Cross the night.