nebulous beast

When we speak
of you on rounds:
a nebulous beast
awakens
without warning
without cause
and we recoil in fear.

Many try to alleviate
this master of symptoms,
fumbling with the tools
handed down in biologic alchemy
of the poppy.

Yet, so few of us
know its power,
respect its toxicity
and can wield
the axe of analgesia
towards this
emperor of all maladies.

Though as we palliate,
and lay the beast
to a somber rest
we walk that morbid line
between control
and death.

awakening in darkness

We hear your cries,
the wailing
of dependence and hunger
pulling us from the lightest
forms of slumber.

My bride
called for sustenance;
the maternal keeper
of life and thirst.

I hear her footsteps fall
quietly slipping
out in the dark hall,
hushing your breaths
while trying to not awaken
my thoughts.

I slip into the night
to catch a glimpse
through a cracked door,
of you looking down
holding her close
rocking, nursing and loving her
with all your tired might.

I lay knowing,
of your strength
love and devotion,
allowing me to slip
back into the solace
of darkness.