they called it leave
but it was staying
with her
earning my living
by keeping her alive
never knowing when
my break would be
cold coffee
stale bread
no desk but a bed
to lie down
watch her instead
listen to her breathing
catch my breath
before doing it all
over and over
and over again
even less money
for infinite work
if only I’d known
a smile
her laugh
little human happiness
my annual bonus
