Care

By Jeffrey A. Paolano

With rheumy eyes closed still, he becomes aware of the pungent stench hanging like gossamer in the ether, tainting the air thereby informing him, she has soiled herself.

Tattered pity ascends; his compassion abides withal.

He lacks the strength to cleanse her. They are compelled to wait for the County woman’s visit.

Arising from his pallet he quietly leaves the room, avoiding her waking, which would commence the day’s exhaustive deprecation of his inadequacy to provide care.

Padding into the kitchen, he pours yesterday’s coffee from the percolator into a sauce pan.

He gags on this and the other bitter brew.