You’re dozing off again,

Forgoing your usual comforts like my bed or sofa

For the cold table in the middle of the room.

As I wait, I notice that we are matching:

My broken ribs and your failing heart.

I almost mention something about my organs

But the door across from us creaks,

Interrupting our conversation.

I watch the doctor walk over,

Wearing a layer of standard procedure,

Stethoscope and all,

And begin the process of interpreting for me.

I once knew the language,

At least, I knew the basics:

Hello, bathroom, hungry, sleep, bye.

You do not respond to those words anymore,

You won’t even speak to me.

I ask about our souls,

About if I’ll ever see you again…

The doctor does not hear this,

Continues on without pause.

You twitch and shake,

Perhaps dreaming of your past life,

Worshipped in jewels and treats

In exchange for prophecies of the future.

Perhaps you’re seeing glimpses of your next life,

Serving some kind of greater purpose,

Leaving me behind.

The end of the doctor’s script lies a question,

I am placed fully in command.

I don’t say “Yes,” out loud

But the doctor hears it and nods.

When the doctor readies you,

You open your eyes and look at me.

“Fight!” I silently urge you.

Wield your weapon and fight back like you once did

During our visits here over the years,

Where you’d jump off the table

And I’d chase after you in the hallways,

The once-in-a-year routine of ours.

Nothing happens, of course.

The decision was made long ago,

I know.

No one does anything but the doctor,

Who turns off the lights for you.

Your eyes stay open,

Though I am assured that you are well on your way to sleep.

“I’ll give you both some space,” the doctor says,

Then leaves.

I say everything in the world to you,

Everything until it is all nothing to you,

Everything until the doctor does what the doctor is supposed to do.

I keep my eyes on you for a while,

I decide that I’ll never move again,

Just in case you change your mind.

“You’re both very brave,” the doctor tells me.

“I think my organs are collapsing,” I reply back.