it was a struggle
each time before
the bell rang and clanged
in starts and stops
repeatedly all morning
I wanted calm if
only for a moment
the bell clanged and rang
again and then not
then again again
like distant waves
far out to sea
the bell rang and clanged
down the hall
I heard his breathing
in each gasp he strangled
drawing in wet air
the bell clanged and rang
on the pillow beside him
as he struggled to breathe
I saw him and panicked
each second slowed
the bell rang and clanged
he turned and he saw me
then didn’t and was gone
then silence grew
about the room
no bell no breath
only a still silence
within an absence
(September 15, 2014)
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