“The Nurse”
-- by Joseph C. Dorffner, Sr. - Copyright 2000 --
Todd appeared to be dying,
upon the bed-like cot.
His wounds treated and bandaged,
he’d survive this battle, most not.
There sat along beside him,
a woman of kind and gentle face.
Tending her moaning, dying husband,
she of the African born race.
Sweat formed upon Todd’s brow,
the shivers came about.
His body twitched uncontrollably,
as though the devil wanted out.
A cooling cloth upon his head,
laid with gentle, loving care.
The soft calm womanly voice,
eyes opened and to her stare.
Her husband had succumbed,
and now to Todd she tend.
Seeing to his every need,
the wounds of battle mend.