Who would have thought an oxygen mask can cause so much frustration?

One day, you were in a regular room, eating a bit, and talking

The topic then, was getting you up, and walking

Upon my arrival next time, they handed me a card that was blue

You were moved to Intensive Care, they called Mom, that's all I knew

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That mask on your face was an unsettling sight

What on earth happened since I was here last night?

You tried so hard to talk, though I could not hear a sound

A nurse explained this new complication I'd found

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The oxygen is delivered with force, and like a sore throat from a cold

You lose your voice, for how long, I wasn't told

The remainder of your time was spent without the luxury of speech

Any last words were frustratingly out of reach

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But there was one word you managed to say loud and clear

And it was the most beautiful sound to my ear

You said my name, Karen, and I assured you I was there

As I'll always be, every day, everywhere