to have and to hold …my husband, my all
A health grenade shattered my sanity -
he leans in, and absorbs my agony
his heart senses my anguished why
He draws out my stifled cry
His soothing caress on my arm
when I, in sleepless, turbulent alarm
Wrack sobbing, in existential pain
His hand reaches out to restrain
Wardening off unrelenting fear
providing hope beyond despair
His hand extends to settle and console
stroking my back and calming my soul

All is safe - all is warm
I rest, gratefully, in his loving arms

Originally written:  2/8-2/14/2024