Nurse

Veronica’s face is not like the face on the veil.
It has seen much suffering but it does not wear

last judgment or a crown of thorns. I have seen blood
on her uniform (which happens to be violet today 

but is often white), sometimes fresh splashes of it
leaked from an IV or, barely visible, dry specks. 

I have observed firsthand her unflinching kindness, 
and I have thanked any and all the gods for her, 

and I have wondered at her ability to bear 
so many crucifixions all at once.

Susan Kelly-DeWitt | Mudlark No. 38
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