Since wearing an eye shield
For seven nights after cataract
Surgery, being in bed takes on
Another meaning.

I’m a stomach sleeper, arm above,
The other tucked into my face.
Our bed, even updated and dollared,
Developed a middle dip. Fine. I face
Right, her to the left.

A routine develops, according to needs.
Myself, I seem to wake, too late, inspect
The area to my left with my arm, and know
He’s gone to work. Or to the couch,
I snore the loudest, now.

But, the feeling I can roll over into
My husband’s warmth, or shape, if I missed
Him, felt better than the shield’s discomfort,
I right-face-planted myself into his pillow.

I used my eye-shield, again, the other night,
My right eye was bothering me. But, I’d already
Plucked it out! Now, I’m really straddling the fence.
Operate on the other, or leave it as is, yellowed,
Yet, sharper, nearer. Further.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 5/4/09