Speaking volumes only with her eyes
The patient says along with dozens more,
“Please don’t say how quickly time flies.”
She’d rather lie beneath the clear blue skies,
But learns to live with smells she could abhor,
Speaking volumes only with her eyes.
Twisted fingers merely a disguise,
Her hands once steered a kayak back to shore.
Please don’t say how quickly time flies.
This one-time river runner waits and sighs.
She sees her breakfast tray come through the door
And speaks volumes only with her eyes.
CNAs and RNs could be spies.
They’re seen, you know, on every single floor.
Please don’t say how quickly time flies.
This morning passed more quickly than before.
She could not know she’d breathe her last by four.
Still speaking volumes only with her eyes.
Please don’t say how quickly time flies.
As I Write and Breathe 
Dear Judith,
You certainly have captured the essence of the villanelle! I sense a sadness of sorts in your poetry this time. “Speaks volumes with only her eyes” is a superb line only the poet may know and embrace. But, you lead the reader into your world. I love your style but am saddened by your message. Great piece of poetry.
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