we leave all too soon, entering
another white hallway
more walking
soon we come to a room, also
white
with a lady lying on a bed
the sheets are stiff,
the pillow crinkled
her gown a faded blue
like a graying sky
before a storm
clutching the balloon,
i shyly shove it
in her direction,
embarrassed
i give her a hug and a kiss
her cheek is very soft
she takes my gift with
a warm smile, like
the sun shining on your skin
filling you with light and happiness
she is nice,
this lady
later, not too long,
i am back in The Hallway
and then back to the car
and then back to my house
the trip is forgotten
90