When Courage Fails

When Courage Fails She stands In medicated silence; Spirit woman gowned in white. It does not matter where But why There should be such a need as this. Herself Full pressed against a wall Pale washed by afternoon's reflection There is no window to the World She has not looked upon In her collection. Too many yesterdays Have caught and tangled Up between the Cypress trees Whose rooted tenure On this earth Is quite as fragile now As she... Too many dreams found wanting From finer minds And surgeon's blade It does not matter what she sees But why - Some secret place Beyond our eyes Where understanding fades to nothing And miracles still happen... Hold my hand, Elizabeth... Hold my hand..