I lay my head upon the pillow

With exaggerated care

Just the faintest hint of breathing

The only sound within the air

Stillness. Calm. Tranquility.

I ease into position

Movement no more than I dare

A silent sigh and close my eyes

Relishing a moment that's so rare

Serenity. Quietude. Equanimity.

With eyes closed tight

Other senses want to share

I suddenly hear the traffic noise

And smell the shampoo from her hair

Disrupting. Irritating. Upsetting

Then neuropathy decides to play

Nerve ends start to flare

The legs I couldn't feel before

Go on a spastic tear

Uncontrollable. Irrepressible. Unrestrained.

The sheets are tugged

A moan I hear

I can't be still

She'll wake I fear

Desperation. Apprehension. Foreboding.

I hear her speak, she's still asleep

I curse how fate is so unfair

And slip away to spend the night

Propped up in an easy chair

Pitiful. Bitter. Defeated.