Saturday, June 25, 2022

those who will come after

The surgery will be done on day two 

To demonstrate the new improved technique

To the other neurosurgeons in attendance

There to learn how in a four day course 


My youngest daughter's name doesn't appear

On the agenda for day two

But she will be the one on the table

With the endoscope inside her brain 


After traveling all the way across the country

To the one place that does this operation 

Hoping to be cured of her acromegaly 

After her first surgery failed to achieve remission 


She agreed to let the operation be observed 

Thinking of those who will come after

Who will need the same pituitary tumor surgery 

That they might get it somewhere nearby 


As someone used to being observed

As a teacher herself of school children

She trusts her neurosurgeon’s hands

Performing under watchful eyes


Glad for the opportunity to help out

Even as she contends with a difficult diagnosis

Facilitating education to benefit others

Because she is that selfless good person