What Love Is

Jeffrey L. Taylor

August 25, 2024

Yes, it’s stirring the oatmeal,
both of us checking, stirring,
tasting.  The kitchen timer
just doesn’t do as good a job.

It’s also sleeping in the hospital
on a recliner that won’t recline,
curled up, head on the armrest,
her in the hospital bed, hooked up
to multiple monitors, an IV in her arm.

Bring a blanket, food, several bottles
of water.  Surreptitiously bring
vitamins and medicines
you have at home.

She will be fearful, fragile,
need additional courage,
reassurance she is beautiful
in a hospital gown,
her hair a mess.

You will need to extend an arm,
both physical and emotional.
Always say she will be
leaving on your arm.
To stir the oatmeal together.

Jeffrey L. Taylor is a retired Software Engineer.  Around 1990, poems started holding his sleep hostage.  He has been published in The Perch, California Quarterly, Texas Poetry Calendar, and Texas Poetry Assignment.