“Retirement Home” by Jeff S. Stinson

An old woman sits in her bed
And watches time slowly drip down the wall
A single bed, a small wooden table
A TV, and a view into the courtyard

She flips through the television channels
Afraid she will miss something
Everything twirling around her too quickly
There isn’t enough time

Her new puppy stares up at her from the floor
His tail wagging with excitement
The old woman’s frown deepens
She gazes at her little friend
Realizing he will outlive her
And then it will be his turn to be alone