Sharon leaves me
In the hall smelling of antiseptic
And sickness
Entering the room
Of a lonely looking stranger
Just like family . . .
She's like that

Hours later
She finds me in the cafeteria
Smiles weakly
Sips the balance of my coffee

"Why did you go up to a total stranger
and trouble that poor man?"
"He's leaving tonight.
I couldn't let him go without saying good bye."
"Leaving? He looked too bad . . ."
"He's dying, Bill."

I choke on the lump in my throat
She pats her hand on mine
I find absolution in her eyes

Sharon's like that