All For Nothing

8-13-2003

I could see the HIV mingling

with blood spores and antibiotics

through a full biohazard disposal bin.

I felt no danger.

All diseases neatly stored 6 feet

from my vision.

Would I die if I groped the innards of

this toxic box?

Is there no safer unit?

It doesn’t matter to me as the what is

growing on the hospital floor.

The pillow to my right claims it cannot

accept a cleaning…

besides a wipe-down.

brilliant blue liquid resided in an

air tight container beside the sink.

I felt exposed to the room

and its Earthy cool air

lingering around my toenails and loins.

I felt safe from the cotton balls,

tongue depressors, and syringes

sealed away, but reaching out to help.

I question their reliability.