The 11:57 Local Train
at a Distance in the Hospital

by Paul Dickey

How can an old
man sleep
with all this racket?
Last night as I lay,

I thought of Iowa,
the twinkle of girls,
my grandfather at their bench
spitting politics, tobacco,

waiting for supper,
I am startled tonight
by the whistle, and afraid
not going to sleep

Or while the young nurse
washing my face,
early in the morning,
not being able to stay awhile.