The Great Teacher
The Great Teacher
Implacable. Relentless,
even with potent every-
six-hour medication
I am driven
to be wholly present
befriend sensation
The lessons pain brings:
attending each movement
sturdy steadiness
grateful for help
my husband provides
never an impatient word
tender reminders and care
No self-pity plunge
my enfolding arms
offer soothing pats
to the sparrow, the stray
the unhomed teen,
all bearing bouts
of suffering