Apr 18, 2020
In this time…
The bruise on her cheek
probably not serious enough
to occupy a seat at the emergency room
again, but especially now, stuck
inside and nowhere else to go so
be thankful it’s only a bruise and
a small thin cut barely visible,
thankfully the red line kind of blends
in this time
Decision made for her by the reflection
in the mirror this morning
a gentle nod side to side reassuring
and confident the kids won’t notice
again, but especially now, stuck
inside and nowhere else to go so
grateful for his reluctance and
control because there’s no help for bruises
in this time
Life-threatening illness takes all the seats
so she returns home reluctantly
envious of those receiving care
feeling slightly guilty wondering
whose fault it is that she doesn’t decide
her own fate or survival, stuck
inside and nowhere else to go so
afraid of his protection for her and her kids
in this time
