Laying On of Hands

 

As if in prayer, the bright white sanctuary quiets and,

entrusting him with everything she is, she sleeps.

 

Infinite power rests reverently in his palm.

The sure scalpel slices a path, scarlet springs to the surface.

Embracing the wonder of this body electric,

he strokes the virgin skin, fat layer, muscle.

Like a lover recognizing familiar landmarks

   —strap muscles, larynx, trachea, thyroid, jugular, nerves—

he caresses intimately life or death.

Pulsating, sensual exploration,

     feeling for the hidden engorged evil,

The poison piece is plucked away, cradled in his hand.

 

         More subtle searching, tactile probing….

Satisfied, Hippocrates threads the weeping tissues together,

silken sutures sealing in anonymous ache.

 

A fine white line will whisper their intimacy.
                                Elaine Tweedy Foley

 

For Dr. James Howe, UIHC

1/2/09 parathyroidectomy