Cousin

Be careful–he wanders the neighborhood.
We don’t know if he’s at the hospital.
Lock your doors and close your blinds–understood?
He could take the train, walk; it’s possible.

His mom called, and they wouldn’t let her know.
Doctors can’t inform despite diagnosis,
HIPAA doesn’t protect us from our shadow.
It found him while writing his thesis.

Leave was granted as long as he sought care,
But an accord with a shadow is doomed.
Don’t forget him, please, don’t dare.
We all hope his old self can be exhumed.

Medicine looks hopeful-shots last for months.
If he would see a doctor more than once.