For Callie, by Gay Harper

Gay wrote this poem about Callie. I loved it though it makes me cry every time I read it. I am posting it here for you to enjoy as well.















Spinal Fusion

Cadaver bones will grow to your own,
make a spine of dead men and steel.
Your own crippled back,
once shaped like an “S” is gone –
no longer crushing your organs.

You are taller now and though scarred,
you wear that mark with dignity;
the battle wound of a girl –
not quite yet a woman
who faced what few women could bear
with dignity and grace.

You step, painfully at first,
three steps into your future.
Soon you’ll run and no one can stop you,
especially not your own body.

For Callie

July 4, 2009
By: Gay Harper