Monday, February 19, 2018
On Her Way
"Martha Stone.
That's a strong name
for a little-bitty thing like you."
The stout woman checked the card
pinned on her gown.
"You need something sweet, like Daisy.
All my ladies are flowers.
Rose and Bluebell
Dandelion
and now we have a Daisy."
A spark within flickered
but only for a moment.
Losing her name was the least of her losses.
A shy woman
she minded more having to be bathed
...as if such things still mattered.
The flower woman hummed
as she helped her off with her gown
and into the tub.
She had forgotten the feel of strong hands
lifting an arm
caressing her face
the taste of soap upon her lips.
Water cascaded over her head
rippled down her shoulders
dripped from her fingertips.
As if she were a child of God
named Daisy
and this a second baptism
readying her for the place of peace
Bridget Harwell
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