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 Wright graduated as a member of the University of Utah School of Medicine class of 2019 and completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2023. She’s returned to the Mountain West and now works as an outpatient psychiatrist at the Boise VA Medical Center. In her spare time, you can find her devouring books, trying a new crafting hobby, or emulating the Barefoot Contessa by making dinner (with dessert!) for her friends and family.

Rubor Participation:
2025 Poem, "Inflammatory Statement of Self-Disclosure"
2019 Poem, "To Astra in Clinic 6"
2018 Essay, "A Silent Sentinel"