The Couple

by Barbara Bald

They no longer speak in words—
it is impossible to hear her whisper
and frail neck muscles make it hard for her
to lift her head.
I do not know if he ever holds her or
if they even live in the same room.
But I have seen them knee-to knee, holding hands
across their wheelchairs.
I have caught the quiet secret in their eyes
when an orderly delivers flowers to her lap
and reads the gift card that bears his name.
My eyes have heard them talking.