Where IVs drip in sync with trickling tears,

Curtains compartmentalize anxiety

Slicing into skin deeper than the scalpel

 

Where first steps march along to pride and cheers,

Even as these feet endure a lifetime of concrete

Breaking beneath them

 

Where loneliness is the sole visitor, yet

Young hands reach out to kaleidoscopes of rainbow stethoscopes

Keeping away monsters under the bed

 

Where life unravels into a continuum, nears 

Recognition that “we tried our best” may be

The worst end of a sentence 

 

Where prayers protect from materializing fears,

Remembrance of the comfort of bedside chatter

Shrouds the worst that could come

 

Where bedtime stories from memories,

Courage to leave on legs saying never,

Slowing the chaos, commotion, coaxing out smiles for tomorrows