in the hospital, waiting

you're about five feet away from me

but you're far, far away

on pain meds

and exhausion

on saline

and oxygen

what kind of a partner am i

when i can't take your pain

when i can't even clean

what kind of a partner even am i

selfish, or caring like your parents think?

helpless and awkward, or capable and confident like you need?

they don't cover "what to do when your partner is recovering from a major surgery" in girlfriend school

but i love you

and i need you to be okay

so you can walk again