Wake Up Wife Poem by Olivia Jean

Check her pulse, desperate for a sign.
She stands cold and still, says she's fine.

Check again! Somethings different, somethings wrong.
No heartbeat..she's usually so strong?

Sounds are distant, the image is blurry.
My heart is racing, she has me worried.

Searching her eyes, searching for life..
I shake, I yell...Wake up Wife!

She looks back at me, now I can see
a flicker of recognition, a spark of vitality...

She's whispering now, I lean into listen...
a single word spoken, a lone tear glistens.

'Affliction' she cries, I lean in nearer..
the image no longer shaded, so much clearer.

I wipe away my tears, and turn from the mirror.
August 6,2010