Watching the Democratic National Convention with pneumonia

what else to do but watch sideways, the right lung

unhappily compressed, the right ear buried in a pillow.

I cannot hear or breathe very well, but I can see 

the wide smiles and exuberant gestures, my peeps

have come alive, in spite of my deteriorated state, I

am buoyed by their hope and joy.  

I would not have seen this wonder if my lung were happily

gathering oxygen molecules from the incoming breath,

instead I would have been working or gardening, laughing

or lifting weights towards the grey tiles of the gym.

Sideways and deaf, but my heart lifting with joy.