by Jody Collins
Securely tabled, the body
awaits a scalpel ready to
move in. Sure-handed surgeon,
knowing aorta versus vein,
cavity vis-à-vis chamber,
approaches life-saving
infinitesimally.
He leaves the stories just below,
housed within the heart’s memory
as it courses, pulses, blood-red notes
wholly clutched by invisible hands.
Delicate machineries monitor
blood, opaque as merlot, up, out
and back again. A rush of oxygen
sluices the brain, ferries golden
cells to the shore of healing.
Surgeon is pleased, chest
swelling with each
suture, clean as a textbook.
Attendants take note.
Sheltered in sleep, the frail
organ pounds, resounds,
recording days and choruses
as gray matter conversations
collect, silent but particular
as autographs, ciphered,
seared on the soul. Cached
messages fuel this body
electric, signaling breath
as spirit awakens, stretching
this muscle of memories
cloaked in skin.
Jody Collins is a writer, poet and author of “Hearts on Pilgrimage-Poems & Prayers” and “Living the Season Well-Reclaiming Christmas.” She is retired from 20 plus years of teaching and when she’s not at her desk writing, enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Jody and her husband call the Seattle area home where she marvels at the birds and messes about in the garden. She’s been writing since Smith-Corona typewriters graced the desk of her eighth grade typing class, but nowadays you can find her poetry and reflections at www.jodyleecollins.com.