Visiting the Relics in Their Natural Habitat Still Life
alan catlin
Old women propped up against the wall,
stretcher cases confined to-in for the duration
patient wings, the mobile, awake summoned
for card parties, days out in town,
In house “On Golden Pond” movies. those
who can still think feel confined: “This
is a living hell, that’s what we call it,
growing old in hell. I know I’m going to
die here. I always thought I’d die at home.”
Palling down happens everyday, second strokes,
classical face lines ruined by inner tremors,
casual rifts; you can see them pressed behind
glass, animated museum pieces waving their hands,
kissing great grandchildren goodbye forever.
