(Editor’s note: Barbara Jackson is a Northwest poet and healer, deeply intuitive practitioner of natural plant arts and a friend of O’Keeffe Woodworks. We have published her poems over the years. Barbara’s work with those going through major life changes gives her crystalline insights into our condition.)
DOLOR
He was still there the next day when I returned
In spite of having an order for hourly morphine
Oxygen levels decreasing
Pulse and temperature rising
Cool cloths and a light sheet
A warm room crowded with the extended family of ten children
At times spilling into the hallway
Sweet smell lingering, wood smoke on clothing in the midst of winter
Last rites given with song and prayer
He continued waiting for a son who never came
** ** **
Pain transcends the body
Pain has so many shapes
Pain is in the universal language
Holding ten fingers up
Dolor?
(Dolor: Latin noun.
- pain, ache, hurt
- anguish, grief, sorrow
- indignation, resentment, anger)
© Barbara Jackson, 2018
Thank you.