I Thought You Were Saved

I thought you

were saved,

my son,

but the end was near,

dark clouds gathered,

and the nurse,

bless her soul,

did everything she could

to bring you back to us,

from the neglect

of the previous days

of others less caring.

I thought you

were saved,

my son,

but the clouds darkened,

despite the nurse's skills

death eased you away

from our hands

in the ICU.

I dreamt one night

I saw you,

embraced you,

as if for real,

but the dream dissolved,

and you were gone,

and my arms empty,

and often I am convinced,

it was true

and I did embrace you.