Aubade 3

Geraniums in the pharmacy window.

I am patient and docile.

One doctor said to another,

—Suffering does not a good doctor make.

Trace a line of goosebumps

up an administrative arm.

Empty bottles in the parlor.

Henry suffering an ailment

of the mind not the body.

One solid block of agony

standing between tomorrow

and sobriety.

There is a room where no women are allowed.

There is a group of men, naked,

behind privacy walls.

Henry silent and mindful.

Henry post hoc,

admitting to sidelong appraisal.