Patient lies in bed,
bundled up in sheets,
lilies decorating
pillowcases.

Television stares,
patient staring back.
Looney Tunes elicit
no reaction.

Check the vital signs,
brain activity
minimal. Life support
still functioning.

Sponge the body down,
arms and chest and legs,
dry them off. I open 
up the curtains.

Family arrives.
"Happy Birthday, Don!"
Origami flowers
wilt in vases,

purple envelopes
open, cards are read.
"Isn't that the sweetest
thing she wrote you?"

Sister shuts the card.
Seven year-old girl
looks at daddy watching
Bugs and Daffy.

Family departs.
Television stares,
patient staring back. I
close the curtains.