by Ron Padgett

My pen wants to bore a hole
through the paper down
and into the desk top
to hide itself
from itself.
As they said about the stupid guy:
“He can’t chew gum
and chew gum at the same time.”

by Ron Padgett

When was the War of 1812 ?
What is the color of the White House ?
In what season do we have fall foliage ?
Where does Louisiana hot sauce come from ?
Who invented the Murphy bed ?
From what country did we get india ink ?
What color are green beans ?
What color is a red herring ?
What animal speaks Pig Latin ?

by Maureen Owen

I sleep on the pull out couch bed to be closer to her at night
Wickedly uncomfortable   lumpy   iron bar structure underneath
the attached tag says “Cloud Mattress”

Nights were the worst.
Tired, she’d begin her panic
“I don’t have enough air.    There’s not enough air in here.
Are the windows open ?    The door ?    Is the fan on ?”
yes to all I’d assure her         but she’d gasp
“I can’t breathe!       Can’t get enough air!
I need the nose thing!”      her request
for the oxygen tube        often she’d not use words
just wild eyed  & arms flinging    gesticulating gasp
once hooked up to the generator      she’d question
“Is it working ?    Is it on ?   I don’t feel any air.    I
don’t hear it!”

I’d check the settings twice        assuring her
“It’s ok      just    breathe”

by Maureen Owen

What’s wrong with me!      why don’t I get better ?
       Calling   “Maureen               Maureen           where are you ? 

Herself awkwardly
counting pills

I cooked dinner
We watched the Giant’s game     She began
having breathing problems     stomach  so hot
I adjust the oxygen nose piece
position the fan
ankles swelling
the night worsens
She wakes     can’t breathe
Is the window open     Is the door open ?
can’t breathe     panic rising
raise oxygen level
give her a Tums and ½ Lasix
prop on pillow balconies     heaped mauve & cotton
rub the lavender and sandalwood lotion on her back and ankles
as dawn blurs the darkness
set her up in the comfortable rocking chair
in the kitchen     another tums     & second Lasix ½
call Nancy     we won’t go to church this morning     no sleep
at 10    she’s up &      coffee     slowly breathing