The Band-Aid
over the biopsy scar.

The atomic jellyfish
floating along on its IV stand.

Blood bag.

Wheels attached to shackles,
jaws wide open.

The same red tape
that Charles, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor,
used to bind administrative dossiers
requiring immediate procedure.

Ordinary issues
bound with ordinary string.
That bundle of unread mail
on the bedcover.

Through the window
four small boys
carrying guns like sticks
in their little dream of war.

Hair, hair
once so thick.

As for progeny,
who knows?