Piker Press — Weekly Journal of Arts and Literature
April 27, 2026

Terminal Romance

"...The touch of your hand is more than I can bear..."

Terminal Romance

My heart skips a beat when you appeared
arrhythmia, with rare ventricular couplets

My eyes respond when you are around
glaucoma abounds the pressure astounds

The sound of your voice is music to my ears
tinnitus echoes a siren's timpani song

The sight of you snatches my breath away
emphysema squeezes my air to a trickle

The touch of your hand is more than I can bear
your shingles spread to my face, hands, and hair

You are my everything always and forever
my affectionate end stage affliction of choice






More by Frederick Foote → More poetry → Full issue →
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Reader Comments
4 Reader Comments
Bernie
11/20/2018
05:56:56 PM
As usual Mr. Foote, unexpected and thought provoking. The juxtaposition of romance and physical disorders is at first jarring, but then after a bit of thought, very appropriate
Patti Santucci
11/24/2018
01:15:23 PM
On the one hand, lucky to have that kind of love at the end of a life. On the other hand, sometimes love can be so intense, some would say unhealthy, that years of fire can burn a man alive before it's his time to go. Great poem, Mr. Foote, as the ending makes me wonder if it is really his choice. ;)
Geri HunterAnonymous
11/25/2018
02:21:45 PM
Fred,this is so beautifully contradictive! Such a love story in so few words! Love it!
geri hunter
11/25/2018
03:09:37 PM
Fred, this is so beautifully contradictory, such a love story in so few words. Loved it!
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