A MIXED BLESSING

No one looks forward to a hospital stay,
but blessings can come in surprising ways.
An orchestral violinist came each afternoon
to serenade his colleague in a nearby room.
Passersby stopped and gathered in the hall;
the glorious music was therapy for all.
I noticed my husband’s pain would ease
with the sound of each magnificent piece.
His face brightened as he said with a grin,
“Tomorrow, I must bring my violin.”
Emotions collided as I bit my lip.
He had not only forgotten his broken hip,
but also the disease which took away
his own fine ability to play.

Poem by Elaine Parker Akin