Elderly Couple

Elderly Couple
Jay Chambers

He had his pacemaker replaced Friday
She wouldn’t leave his side

I was at the hospital in February
As his chest heaved
Tears pooled in her eyes
At the threat of parting

I saw her caress his cheek
And how she replaced his hat with a flourish
For the journey to the I.C.U.

On their honeymoon in ‘62
They outran the wedding party
And arrived at their hotel
Half-past midnight

Last night at half-past midnight
She replaced his oxygen tank
And settled back down to sleep
As 1962 fades back into dark
And eternity shines ahead.