To Astra in Clinic 6

Coloring, exclaiming of Mickey,
identical blonde hair to her nearby sisters,
the cotton leggings of girlhood,
she sits with legs askew in the unlearned
way of children.

But her boots belie her position.
Bright sunshine yellow,
securing the center around which
the waiting room revolves.
I sense the sublime; she carries the potential.
Does she feel the weight?

I seek ways to imbue them with magic.
Perfect shine providing protection from
snow, sleet, and society alike.

But my incantations are too late.
Scratches here and there
catch the fluorescent light.

Yet, the rubber still reflects
casting a halo of joy,
their armor unencumbered
by adult perceptions, opinions

With gratitude to a newfound star,
I rise and leave.

Dannen is a member of the University of Utah School of Medicine class of 2019. She holds a B.S. in Biology with minors in Psychology and Art History, which she will employ as a psychiatry resident at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill beginning in summer 2019. In her spare time, you can find her devouring books or emulating the Barefoot Contessa by making dinner (with dessert!) for her friends. 

Rubor Participation:
2019 Poem, "To Astra in Clinic 6"
2018 Essay, "A Silent Sentinel"