I Sit Here Locked In Place

   I SIT HERE LOCKED IN PLACE

I sit here locked
in place.
With the years and memories
flowing back and forth.
Years and memories
on a roller coaster
racing back and forth.
I sit here lost in place
with flashes of bright
moments
of sad,
of all the treasures
time can give.
I sit here locked
in place
in an antiseptic room.
Watching the one
who gave the years,
fight the pain with golden pills
and silver needles.
I sit here locked
in place
as I watch her search
for the perfect angle
of limb
to sooth the hammering throb.
I sit here locked
in place
Ready to hide
the tears
when she wakes.
I sit here locked
in place.

Michael Mathews
07-05-86