where ships go

when you cried
at his
bedside.
him unable to speak.
his body
wrecked
wrecked as any
ship
struck over
and over,
slipping, ready
to sink, ready
to go where ships
go.
he waved you
away.
he pulled a tube
from
his stiff grey
lips
and said, get him
out of here.
so you left.
rowing, rowing
to shore,
alone with what
you've seen.