In Praise of Medicine

She walks into the room with news on her lips.
“The tumor is small. There’s a reason to be positive and glad.
The pain is a lesson,” she said.

“Just as you taught me, I’ve come a long way.

I looked at myself.
Am I happy at work?
After all, I’m so talented and full of potential
so why have I spent my whole life living in a box”?

“And how’s your digestion?” I asked
“Much better,” she answered.
“And your sleep?”
“Simply wonderful. Dreaming about the day that was and the day to come.”
“And your blood cells?”
“On the rise.”

I was filled with happiness. With joy.
“You made my day,” I said
and she— “Come on! Let’s keep going, there’s still a long way to go.”