the medical team treats my husband
as a precious chick
in a nest of linens and plastic pipes connected
to his sedated body
he sucks the suction tube
a mechanical tit providing him
with nourishment
his eyes closed
his face relaxed
his hands in gauze gloves
to protect him when he tries
to touch the tube in his nose
which connects to a respirator
i watch him sleep and heal
sleep and heal
sleep and heal
i breathe with him and pray
