Bleeding black ink
I spill words as my body leaks blood
On hospital gowns
Inking the floor with my essence
I wonder if the OR staff made wishes
When they cracked open my breastbone
I remember long ago dinners
When wishbones were mysterious
Full of promises
Like wishing wells and shooting stars
Imagining untold fortunes of vague and impossible hopes
Now, I no longer feel the need to wish
Just cope
Taking each step in faltered stride
Wearing the determination of my years
And while I’m grateful for the good wishes of others
I have no expectation of magic
Or celestial intervention
Just faith in a good defense
And the resiliency of my own spirit
David Trudel © 2013