Sunday Poem

Nurse.........................
Veronica’s face is not like the face on the veil.
It has seen much suffering but it does not wear

last judgment or a crown of thorns. I have seen blood

on her uniform (which happens to be violet today
……………………..

but is often white), sometimes fresh splashes of it

leaked from an IV or, barely visible, dry specks.
…………………….

I have observed firsthand her unflinching kindness,

and I have thanked any and all the gods for her,
…………………….

and I have wondered at her ability to bear

so many crucifixions all at once.

Susan Kelly-DeWitt