SIGHT UNSEEN

                                          SIGHT  UNSEEN

He never saw, nor did he hear her step on the hospital floor.

The sweet essence of her nectar floated in and out through the door.

         Every day about now, he never knew how she came to view and stare.

Drifted away into the nether, returning the next day to his despair.

        Two long months in bed was a test. His patience had become too thin.

He yearned to return home to rest. There were chores that had to begin.

He was released the very next week.  She was close by, watching some more

when the pickup stopped with a squeak.  Pa unlatched the passenger door.  

An orderly helped Jay get in and sit right. They chugged off while she stared.

Once Pa and Jay were out of sight.   She turned around and disappeared.

A host of mixed smells from the yard greeted them with wafts of fresh air.

Jay slid onto the gravel hard.  Pa helped him to the first porch stair.

        Jay said: “I can take it from here”  Pa replied, “ I will stay a spell,

have a hot cup to calm my fear that you did not settle or feel well”.

        Round the house, Jay did poke and rove. Poured water into the kettle.

Then placed it to heat on the stove.  Sat waiting for it to bubble.

Pa went to his cabin next door.  Jay wandered around, left and right.
    
Fatigue finally said: “No more!” He flopped into bed for the night.

Aroused by footsteps, sight unseen,  Jay went and opened the door.

        Breath sifted through the screen. Jay sighed: “Mam, this game I abhor!”

Her breathing and pulse rate went wild. She grabbed her purse and reached inside.

        Aimed straight at his upper body,  opened and swung the screen door wide.

He had nowhere to run or hide. She thrust the sock into a limb.

        Reeled by emotion she fell inside, legs buckled and her head rammed him.

        His arms enfolded flesh and bone. Then guided her feet to a chair.

        They sat in the dark all alone. Silence ruled the dubious pair.

        At last, she quietly murmured: “I mean you no harm or ill will.

        My pain and grief are not nurtured. Dash left a void that no one can fill.
                                
That sock holds the insurance cash paid to me, his surviving wife.

        The car exploded and killed Dash.  You attempted to save his life.

That blast caused you to lose your sight.” Nothing was said for quite a bit.
  
        At last, he spoke in a voice just right. “Please, keep the money and use it.
 
Fund a scholarship that honors his life.” Sue thanked his advice and replied:

        “Here is a kiss on your cheek from his wife. I will visit again if with me you abide”

She kept her word and did return. Jay regained almost all of his sight.  
 
        Their lives together ever churned and merged into one of delight.