Soft light floats in from the hallway,
embracing the narrow bed.
I lie cradled by
nurses’ low laughter.
I capture the glow,
Cup it in my hand, wrap
Fingers around it, watch it
Pulse, this heartlight.
They opened the leg.
That is yesterday’s knowledge.
Tonight
I am without sensation.
Rough spots march down that thigh.
A line of ants? But no, stitches.
Hot to the tip of my finger.
This army holds me together.
Ah! Silver socks! I see them now,
Adorned and adding warmth.
One silvery toe ignites the
Other. Angelic fireworks.
Light dims.
Eyes close.
I send sleep to my parts as we
Drift toward morning.
Permission to reprint granted to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. by copyright author/owner.
2020
