I am a bearer of dead things
the catheter hangs
around my neck
like a noose, loosely tied strings
fluid tubes, bodies, heck -

He coughs and sputters for the cold drink
but the nurse has said

                                  “He’s failed his
  swallow test.
   (I am so sorry, darling)

Then latch
to the beachhead.
there is no place outside of dark hallways
harshly lit fluorescent lights