December 5, 2020

COUGH

 
He would cough – three or four coughs
in a row – sort of clearing his throat or
chest – every hour or so. It told us he
was there – sort of like the trains on the
New Jersey Transit. I’m here. They’re there.
Moving along – morning, noon and night.
 
But coughs and train whistles are not
enough. You’re more than that.  I want
to know who you are in that seat – in
that skull – where you’ve been and what
you thinking these last years of your life –
before you come to your last stop.
  

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020