Moments in the OR
sterile air filters
through my white papery mask
I exhale again
goose bumps dot my skin
chilly drafts brush my bare arms
another cold room
everyone in blue
baggy pants sweep the floor tiles
the drawstring dangles
under white blankets
the patient is still awake
her nervous arms shift
milky white fluid
traversing the IV tube
her eyes slowly close
white light from above
shining on her sleeping face
she is motionless
soapy white suds foam
warm water washes me clean
done, elbows dripping
drying left then right
arms swoosh into the blue gown
my long paper shield
white rubbery gloves
receive my diving fingers
now we can begin