Desert Dweller

I’ve never killed a person,
but I’ve helped them to let go of life,
marching with them to the end.

I’ve never killed a child,
but I’ve held children’s hands
on their way to release.

I’ve never prevented death,
but have sometimes delayed it.

As nurses
we preserve some lives
and surrender others.

© 2026 Bruno Talerico
72/365
Image is from a cartoon by Jim Gamble RN.