Sponge baths are alright
but my head itched.
Please nurse may I have
a hot, wet shower.

“Not till you have
permission from
your Cardiologist.
Ask him tomorrow.”

Tomorrow, that’s ages away.
Please, I itch all over.
I promise to be good,
what ever that means here.

“No, you may be better
but still “at risk.”
Here have your pills.
Perhaps tomorrow.”

Two tasteless meals
and a night of snores,
before I can even ask!
I feel so helpless.

In the morning, he said,
“Yes, you may have a shower
with caution,
Later today.”

She came into the ward.
Black hair, attractive!
“Are you the one for a shower?”
Yes, I said, is your name Caution?

 
 
David Garlilck, Victoria, February 1996