Confessions of the Cold Hearted

I went to the hospital at about half past eight

Sat around

Did a crossword

“Sneak me out” mom says, “Take me home”

“Are you crazy?” says I, “No way”

10 minutes later, I tell her I’m leaving.

When I hug her goodbye, she clings tight.

I walk out of the hospital

To my car

I hesitate before I open the door

When I do, I reach in, grab my laptop

And head back up

I’ll watch some stand-up comedy with her, I think to myself

Let her laugh a bit

Before I leave

So I get into bed with her

We watch some Ron White,

Some Mitch Hedburg

Some Tony Woods

We laugh together

And for a moment

Mother and Daughter

Flaws and Complications

Vanish

We are but two human beings

Bound by humour, laughter

“If I die,” she starts, “Will you look after your sister?”

I have been looking after my sister since she was born, 10 years ago, it’s not something I’ll ever stop doing.

“Don’t be silly, you won’t die anytime soon,” I say.

When the last comedy ends

She is curled in foetal position next to me

Asleep

Her head rests upon my shoulder

I turn out the lights

Shut the door.

I have a heart.