The kindness of the nurse
placing her hand on my arm
during the exam,
my gratitude.

Sometimes it takes so little
to show someone you care.
Small effort of kindness–
a lifeline to the drowning.

My friend calls her daughters
“my angels” but isn’t that
what everyone is for us,
those who are there, attentive
watching over us?

I register sadness
because my uterus gave way.
What about Shadow, the huskie,
who has no remaining eyes?
She had to learn to see
with her heart.