Grandma Said: A Villanelle

Do I really have to sleep here tonight?
Where in the world has my husband gone?
Sally, please don’t turn out the light.

I have been telling you, I feel alright
And it’s time that I go home to John.
Do I really have to sleep here tonight?

Sally, my stomach doesn’t feel quite right.
Will John come back before too long?
Sally, please don’t turn out the light.

I don’t think I can stand another night.
For sixty years I’ve slept beside John.
Do I really have to sleep here tonight?

I hate it here! Please make it right.
I want to go back home where I belong.
Sally, please don’t turn out the light.

Reach over and hold my hand tight.
I don’t want to go like this, without John.
Do I really have to sleep here tonight?
She didn’t stop to say, “Don’t turn off the light.”