Needles
There’s a big needle on the TV show I’m watching.
I never realized how many needles there were
in all the shows and movies until I met you.
You hated needles. “Nope,” you’d say
and quickly look away when one appeared.
After hearing all the stories about your mom
having to hold you down at the doctor’s office,
I went with you to get your blood work done.
The nurse was so friendly, and the three of us
spent the whole time laughing and telling stories.
And you did so well. There was a basket of stickers
on the wall of the exam room and you got one
from the nurse on the way out. Star Wars I think.
Today I saw the needle on the sci-fi show,
and I thought I’d give a lot to stand there
next to your chair in the exam room.
To watch you overcome your fears.
To hold your hand and laugh together.
Then to walk back out into the sunlight.
/ / /
4 December 2022
State College PA
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