Bad News

With dry throat and

                raspy breath

I take your hand

feel your pulse beneath

my fingertips

Or perhaps

perhaps it’s mine

beating in my ear

and stinging

my eyes, red rimmed

and forlorn

you smile

although you know

I do not have to

utter my raspy

breath

a shudder of nerves

and tears

You squeeze my hand

and together

we slightly weep