Quiet of night

They enter my room without invitation

Happy for the diversion

I watch a ballet without music

Choreographed,

Rehearsed,

Without talk

Absolute concentration

Poised, seasoned performers

I watch

Not wanting to interrupt

Waiting for a

Break in the action

Hold for a pulse

Catch their breath

Wipe their brows

And look down at me

The principal dancer

A frail, old lady

Snow-white hair and clear blue eyes.

Days of joy and sorrow, hardship and abundance

Carried on my shoulders.

I look into their young faces and

Tell them

I'm too tired to join in,

But they don't hear me.

They only look past me;

Into each other's eyes with uncertainty

Questioning

The part they've chosen to play.

Questions I cannot answer for them,

So before they can resume,

I slip out the window

That my nurse has opened

Knowing I didn't want to join in this time.