*

*

Step outside myself

Watch the morning unfold

Watch him shuffle to the bathroom

Watch me coach him through the shower:

*

Wash your face with soap

Use the bar of soap under your arms

In your crotch, the butt too

Hold out your hand

Here’s shampoo

That’s my towel and

This is yours

Underwear, incontinent pad

Arms up, deodorant underneath

Now brush your teeth

*

He is so grateful.

Thank you, dear.

For trimming my toenails

For shaving my beard.

Thank you, dear.

*

Oh, if only I could say

Thank you, dear God,

For this life of service

Thank you for his gratitude

Thank you for the restrictions

Thank you for the loss

Tell me how to say it.

Teach me how to believe it.