12.2.08

while a late winter sun warms my back
through the double-glass window
she lies in her hospital bed
restlessly moving her head and left arm
her right arm numb under the blanket

unseeing eyes try to fix my whereabouts
ears pricked up to hear every sound

she speaks a language unknown
a language of her own
but with obvious meaning

now and again
a smile full of memories
brightens her face