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playing cards

February 8, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner 10 Comments

Holding
an invisible
deck of cards,
he shuffles and deals
to no one. To someone?
To someone only he can see?
He rambles incoherently then laughs,
nearly shouts, while regurgitating war stories
still vivid in his confused mind. A broken record—
these life stories. He reaches to grab
a card, then yells, “We need beer!”
Tugging on his oxygen mask,
he fights the tangle of tubes
that hum and buzz
and keep him
in the game.

talya

Musical Pairing:

Jamey Johnson – In Color

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: hospital

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Give him my love. So sad. B.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 8, 2013 at 4:43 pm

      It is. But it’s life.

      Reply
  2. Colene says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Hey, he is seeing it in color!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 8, 2013 at 4:43 pm

      Not sure what he sees, but he sees something:))

      Reply
  3. TimH says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    In his world, he is happy. It’s hardest on those living outside his dream world. I’ll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Also, this is an awesome piece of writing.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 8, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Yes I love it when he laughs. Could be alot worse!

      Reply
  4. Patricia A. Laster says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    Awesome piece of observing, feeling and writing.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 8, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks Pat! I’m counting down to HP!!! xo

      Reply
  5. MJ Shellabarger says

    February 10, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Wonderful poem.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 10, 2013 at 1:27 pm

      Thank you:))

      Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
Gene, Everywhere

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