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“You also, BE PATIENT AND ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS , for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:8

Oh , Patient one, you wrestle with your skin
You call me to help, I ask “Can I comfort him?”
Seventy times, or maybe only seven , he calls for turn and tuck
I can’t get comfortable , see I’m in misery , oh. what the … “
Oh shroud on the table, untucked silloutte
You are as me , the me unmet
Again I hear you moan , and moan, like a diesel train
Yet while the shadowy train moves , you remain
Moaning “there is something hard beneath my skin”
Oh Patient one, I rise to check you , help you ,comfort you here
But there’s “something hard beneath my skin “too , dear
Nawing , nagging, like a “clattering “ train car (1)
Mortality moves moaning both near and far
“There’s something hard beneath our skin”
Something harder than time and deeper than sin
Comes pressing pulsing for us all
And the word “NURSE!!” Thunders a call
Dear , I’ll check you now , I’ll find where you are sore
The patient and nurse meet as the Kronos keeps score
Now turn , Ill tuck, now roll , ill redress, now turn , Ill tighten
Now up we go, and sit aright, now take this pill and say goodnight
Are you alright ? Oh patient one let our eyes meet
“Thankyou nurse, it must be hard on your feet?’
No ,Patient one , its suddenly soft beneath my skin
FOR EYE TO EYE , compassion can now begin. (2)
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1. “The Clattering Train “poem by Edwin James Milliken
Edwin James Milliken (1839 in Ireland – 26 August 1897), was a Puncheditor, journalist, satirical humorist and poet.
2. “And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, ….”
Matthew 20:30..
So tender and loving, so much feeling and love of a suffering neighbor! The empathy of a caring nurse has been with me off and on since I was a toddler, but this poem captures the heart of a nurse like nothing I have ever read before. Blessings on you as you serve, as you labor, as you pray, as you write, and as you bring your servant’s heart to the suffering souls who need you. Bless you, now and always.
Thank you Peter , Barnabas, the encourager of souls. May we labor unto the voice that will say “ well done” . You live a life of poetry everyday “ bringing a servants heart to the suffering “ blessings and thanksgiving for you !