*

*

The one I left behind

has blank eyes of amber brown

stares at a future of days unchanging

leans forward in the wheelchair

tries to stand on legs too weak and trembling

*

The one I left behind

eats from another hand

like a baby bird

lives among others who wait

for something new or different

or death

*

The one I left behind

left me behind

retreated into a place

mysterious, unreachable

Perhaps he’s on a divine mission

perhaps he’s dancing with angels

perhaps, in his eyes,

I’m the impaired one

lagging far behind.