THE OLD MAN AND THE GIRL

In December

the girl enters a hospital ward

wipes his lips

smoothes a blanket over his legs

watches a scene from the window

white mountains against a crimson sky

the mountains appear close to her

the cart sounds in the hall

the horns on the avenue

the slit moon.

The doctor appears

attempts to move his broken hand

that has everything to do

with playing the piano

the melody flying out of chords

smooth as sloe gin.