For Charity

Today I give away
all her shoes. I think
well maybe she will need them
but not for those turned feet.

It has been a rare day
of sleep and sentiment.
I try to protect myself
but I can't forget the
lubberly movement of her arms
when she tries to touch my hand.

The "I" and "me" she still
says, and the "mine."
I know what she is waiting for,
lying in that room
busrides away
across the snow.