Inside the sterile expanse
Where nameless faces wait,
Sharing a moment in time,
Trapped together for eternity.
The place where agony-filled air
Suffocates their dreams,
As the icy hands of fate
Slowly strangle life to death.
Anxious eyes scan the room
For a savior in white.
Rhythmic moans and stifled cries
Sing the melody of despair.
Squeaky wheels roll forward
With delicacies on a silver tray.
A token consolation prize
For inconsolable souls.
Exhale.
I had a baby four years ago –
Baby never walked.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, MRI…
Baby girl will die.
Not my baby girl, said I.
“Spend as much time with her as you can” –
Doctors, testing, genetics GALORE.
Stabbing pain in my heart…
Baby girl will die.
Not my baby girl, said I.
I see something you don’t see –
A fighter. A warrior.
She has her mama’s spirt…
Baby girl will not die.
Not my baby girl, said I.
Exhale.
Happy first day of school, baby girl. We love your spirit and determination.
HOPE FOR KATHERINE BELLE 