his breath fluttered
as the cool autumn wind
flapped
his faded pajamas

an old curled birdhand
pressed the heartcase
beating

one last unreasoned
animal struggle
for freedom

sterile and whitecoated
they came
thru the grey city air
and took him back
away from the lights
and noise of traffic

confused
ancient with recollections
of youthful country seasons
and coloured leaves
falling
to the earth



1970nev2006