Another uncomfortable visit

why do they do it
everything named bolded in large font
yes, he is sitting in the LOUNGE
and yes, I do know he is JOHN
for the last two years unknown to self

well, he maybe JOHN to someone else
the body that must be fed
the body that must be clean
the body that must be monitored
the JOHN that provides an income

John this is Peter, you remember me
PETER it doesn’t matter how big the font
or if I raise my voice, he doesn’t remember
and never will I guess, we played tennis
together for many years, invincible at doubles

John and Peter champions
but he is focused on the electronic screen
I don’t know why they have it on all the time
at least it’s muted …
SILENCE.

I always have my eye on the CLOCK
the minutes that are hours
and I can’t wait to escape
to go to the exit
the exit that is not obvious

the exit that they can never find
locked forever on the inside
and then into fresh air, and let John
flood back in memory
another uncomfortable visit

 Richard Scutter