WATER CHIME

you are neutropenic
and trapped
in the hospital until
you have an immune
system — then we go home

we are done watching TV
we are done playing Mario
all you want to do is stand
by the sink in our cell
and run water over your fingers

a Chinese melody sings
from the water dancing from
your fingertips as you
caress the source at the spout
in endless fascination

your laughter counterpoint
to the scale pentatonic
water fugues about
dance of your hand
in liquid enchantment

the water mimics you
caresses you and right now
no one can tell me
one reason
why you should die

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