Battles Fought and Won

By Michelle Brieno

Part 1

I’m up so early, even before the sun,

even before that birdie whose day hasn’t begun.

That dim darkness before the light, a dusky feeling at its height

Makes you wonder what is right, self consciously about that fight. 

Eyes feel dry and full of sleep, trying to stay up due to a vigil you must keep.

In and out, in and out,

the nurses keep a strict schedule.

Doing all those things that in the long run are essential.

How’s one to nap when one needs to know,

So much information! All it does is flow.

A prick of this, a prod of that,

How is one to sleep when they come in to chat?

It’s worse for him in this system.

I’m just the bystander and he’s the victim.

Part 2

Drinking sweet tea into the night,

Thinking about these things that give me a fright.

Wanting you to speak and give me a sign,

loving that face that shows you you’re mine.

It’s so clear I need you to stay with me,

as I hold on to your hand like it’s a raft to safety.

Wondering what’s in your mind, as you doze off and on in this dazed timeline.

We looking for an answer to this clue,

it’s hard to explain that this nightmare is true.

You must be so scared, in your eyes I can see it.

Is it reflected in mine as we both try not to believe it?

As it nears dawn, may this day be brand new,

Hopefully the dark is a distant memory to you.

That breath that you take, it’s not even yours,

but it’s helping you stay and not pass through that door.

You’re strong and a fighter. You must fight that fire!

You are like your hero, you fight for good,

Yell “You shall not pass!” as you know that you should.

It’s amazing to see the fight as you endure,

This is your battle, you will not surrender.

I try to act like there is nothing uncommon.

Believing in God who we trust to be our lawman.

You must go down the path he’s wanting,

This is just an obstacle that looks rather daunting.

By Michelle Brieno