Caring

Her strong voice commanded

Strength, direction, and sureness

Followed by a hint of kindness

At the beginning of

our medical interview

Prior to surgery

in a teaching hospital.

As things progressed

her voice and eyes

Changed

Becoming clouded with interest

and hauntings

Of a berceuse,

a lullaby of caring concern.

In the end, we are given

gifts of her personal art

Hugged gently

And ushered out into the cruel

and waiting world

with renewed buoyancy

and hope for tomorrow.

Fawn Rising