Amba, You Were Larger Than Life To Me {for H.B.} Poem by Shane Markie

So still in that hospital bed.
The tubes ran from your nose;
a fight to bring you back to life-

Your best friend stood by, helpless-
for seven days she wiped and cleaned
your private parts; removing shit & piss

While you in subconscious sleep
fought to keep alive. You were
larger than life to me; then, as now

She slept beside you, clinging desperately
to any essence remaining. You had been
a friend to many, and cared for

All those many more in your charge.
Beneath the hospital gown, your chest
appeared to rise and fall, dark skin

unresponsive to touch or temperature.
I stood by helpless, and you were smiling.
I wanted to shake you and yell, 'Amba, what

are you smiling at? '
When the nurse behind me
touched my back:

After seven days, our last and final visit over.