In slippers, pajamas and robe

he “hurried” out of the infirmary when

his telephone began to ring

The call would be his wife

she phoned each night, same time, they

drop their words clear and precise

A chair, curtain, stone, fork, errands, her earrings

Nights are endless, he says

lying on his back

barely able to move, to sleep

But the nurses are lovely, he says

keeping his balance

and the meals are decent

     Will the beep stop me for all time?

     Will the beep stop me for all time?

To decide who’d care for him at home

a chair, curtain, stone, fork, his wrinkled hand

escape the Longer Land