They thought I wouldn’t notice
wouldn’t guess
being only a guinea pig
the way they lift me gently from my chair
the way they spoon slop patiently into my mouth
the way they wash my wrinkled body
smiling
always smiling
no harsh words
no poking fingers
no tiny torments
the water out of reach
the door left open
the radio too low
their amethystine eyes
the colour of far mountains
shine calm and tranquil
on my helplessness
kindness overwhelms me

but still
I miss the human failings.

Published Eye to the Telscope 23