Passing Conversation

She listens to the breathing

a fading shallow whisper

his rhythm less steady.

Sometimes she turns in bed

shifting to the side of her failing ear

deserting most details of night.

Fragile sleep becomes fragmented

again she is awakened to count his breathing

exhalations seeping from a frail man's lungs.

At night they sleep in an old bed

a mattress holds their impressions

yet their bodies become less familiar each day.

During bits of sleep and dreams

do they listen to their once young voices

that linger above the failing bed?

Do they recall their breaths floating

entwined above a new bed where sleep was not sought

nor the hours of night counted?

Now he whispers

and she warily listens

to this passing conversation

Gregory Zeorlin  11/27/2007 5:45am + 12/12/2007  10pm.