stepping out onto the balcony
into glorious late October sunshine
below me autumnal hospital gardens
display their indifference
to my passing a while here
seeking solace in my surroundings
my hand falls upon a gnarled arm
of the bench beneath me
i enjoy the deep weathered tactile grain
at my fingertips
how many others before me
have sat here reflecting seeking peace
from the ward\'s hussle and bussle
i imagine i feel their presence
so many have contested the big C here
and then, stroking again the tactile grain
i\'m wishing my positivity
into the hardwood itself
earnestly hoping the vibe will pass along
to enter all souls who follow here