So Mortal

Trying not to look around as you walk down the hall,
Footsteps making piercing sound, you seem to be so small.
Walking through, so humbled, grasping to your gift,
Seeing people crumbled, your thoughts begin to drift...

How did they all get this way? Why this much despair?
People living through decay, in sterilizing air.
Humans converting to machine. Beds. Equipment. Wire.
Viewing the data on their screen to see if they’ll expire.

The hall is twisting and turning as you visit your loved one,
Your stomach is sick and churning wanting this visit to be done.
Nurses running around, doctors out and giving guidance,
You keep your head to the ground, and despite the noise there’s silence.

You make it to your loved one’s room, set your gift upon the table,
You’re noticing the general gloom, they’re staring at the cable.
They look up at you, pain in their eyes, and strike up a conversation,
Acutely aware that life is a prize, they’re eyes meet your with fixation.

You kept your composure because for them you must be strong,
While encased in this enclosure, they know there’s something wrong.
You stayed a while to talk, then left to be on your way,
Take a glance at a clock, notice the time that slipped away.

When you step outside it’s like you've traveled through a portal,
Stripped of all your pride, you have never felt so mortal.

MLS
11/18/12