Wake Up - Bennett Roberts

Tragedy fueled tree tops.

Drunk.

Failing brown life.

And the brightest green,

splashing earth canvas.

Birds prancing on base and tips.

A winding road of curved branch.

Growing up and sideways.

Greening linen with glowing blonde lining.

 

Sight ceased.

I sit in quiet,

almost invisible.

An emergency room window with dancing leaves,

just outside.

He clears his throat.

He smells the thick room,

breathing deeper and deeper and deeper.

Sullen and dripping breath.

He is awake.

It was this morning,

surrounded by steel and stirring chills,

my brother awoke.

Pale skin exhaustion,

touching his eyes and separated thoughts.

He spoke to me and smiled.

 

Resting on small lips,

"I'm not even going to try to get up."