A college freshmanGums bleeding, skin peeling, bruised, so tiredTerrified, away from home, on her own for thefirst timeIn the ER, convinced she’s dying, sobbingConvinced she’s being punished for that sip ofalcohol or that first kissRelief in saying “Congrats, you have scurvy”Cut back on pizza, here’s an orange

I stay with herIt’s been weeksBut today’s the dayShe knows she’s dyingBut wants to hold on until family comesJust to say goodbyeA rare and rapid progressing diseaseTaking a woman too soonShe’s so scaredI know it’s not my jobBut my attending nodsI stay with her