Monastery of the
Visitation
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1960's

2020
The Nurse
The world grows better year by
year
because some nurse in her little
sphere
puts on her apron, grins and
sings,
and keeps on doing those same
old things.
Taking the temperatures, giving
the pills,
to remedy mankind of numerous
ills.
Feeding the baby, answering the
bells.
being polite with a heart that
rebels.
Longing for home, and all the
while
wearing the same old
professional smile.
Blessing the newborn babe's
first breath,
closing the eyes that are still
in death.
Taking the blame for the doctors
mistake,
Oh dear, what a lot of patience
it takes!
Morning and evening, noon and
night,
just doing it over and hoping
it's right.
Going off duty at nine o'clock,
tired, discouraged and ready to
drop,
but called back on special at
nine-fifteen
with woe in her heart that must
not be seen.
When they lay down their caps
and cross the bar
dear Lord will you give them
just one little star
to wear in their crowns with
their uniforms new
in that city above where the
head nurse is YOU!
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