Never shall I forget being seven years old
Visiting my Grandfather.

A colossal brick building
A red cross on the door.

Never shall I forget that winding hallway
Never shall I forget that stench.

Never shall I forget the rows of hospital beds
Growing down the corridor
Rose bushes;
Their cherry red stains.

Never shall I forget those frazzled nurses
Darting to and fro.

Never shall I forget those doctors
With frowns etched permanently on their faces,
And their cracked lips
Unfamiliar with the notion of a smile.

Never shall I forget tearing
My nails to shreds.

Never shall I forget Room 417.

Never shall I forget my Grandfather
So small,
So frail,
So still.

The hospital bed too big
For his tiny bird frame.

Never shall I forget
His chalky face
His empty eyes:

Lights out,
Nobody home.

Never shall I ever forget

His Breath,
Loud as a helicopter
Refusing to let go.