the aquarium

he doesn't bend well anymore.

or see well.

he's a fish

in a tight aquarium,

the colors are bright

but muddled.

he swims around the rooms,

all day. from

den to kitchen, to bedroom,

and back again.

finding in the late

afternoon a puddle of sunlight

to lie in.

the garden is brown

out the window.

the christmas tree will

not go up this year,

nor will the lights.

those days are done.

but he keeps swimming.

swimming

from side to side.

wondering who will 

free him, waiting for

a sprinkle of food

and conversation, for

the doorbell to be rung.