We live so well in roles defined by trial and error
in love, with family, each other.

Contented in selves
and routine we are thrown
a curve by illness unexpected and,
we'll come to learn, unending.

Uncertainty grips our lungs; our days
shift from living to living
through. With you unable
to sleep, eat or breathe free

of vomit, tears or pain,
the banalities of normalcy become
a fantasy we long to re-attain.
Responsibility leans

Heavy on my shoulders. Though
the children are half-grown, they know
things they shouldn't
have to at such a young age.

I am many nouns now;
your wall to lean on, family filter
keeping upbeat, hiding details on the phone;
(it only hurts to hear them);

Mister consistency to kids and pets,
those who most need evenness.
Yet I refuse to lose hope,
even when the tests tell me

to resign myself to your
incremental fading.
Don't be afraid, Love.

I've already learned to do so much.
Let me do that for you too.