Unit 2B

The red lights swiped across the wall

and caught the dust motes in the hall.

I heard the stretcher hit the frame,

but realized I didn't know his name.

The driver asked, I shook my head,

watching the oxygen tank instead.

They struggled with the narrow turn

while I felt a stupid, sudden burn.

Outside his door, a single boot

sits by the molding, stained and mute.

It’s July and the salt is white and thick

on leather that made the hallway sick.