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
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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,
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and I have wondered at her ability to bear
so many crucifixions all at once.
Susan Kelly-DeWitt