you lie there
in your hospital bed
and I ask your son to send you my love.
I'll get your flower tattooed onto me
Rosemary.

you're responding well,
they've said.
the medication keeping you lucid, for now.
I wish it was forever and just a bit more
Rosemary.

I can't see you.
you're too far
and I'm not sure I'd be welcomed, anyway.
but I think of you must days when I cook dinner
Rosemary.

your son said
he'd pass my words on.
you can't really answer the phone anymore
and I worry, I worry, I worry, what will happen to your cat?
Rosemary, I think I'm scared.

I think
or maybe I know
that your favourite colour is green.
I'd wear it everyday if it kept you smiling
Rosemary.

a long time ago
I used to stay at yours on Saturdays.
a brief respite from the world.
you taught me what classical music could mean
and you taught me the value of slowing down.

if only you could teach me how to say
Goodbye,
Rosemary.