Saying
in our boxes, your small
and private
name
In our houses.
We light a candle,
shed a tear,
be silent.
In our places.
All we can do.
We wish through the walls and the wires
for medicine to help you
for mother’s soft palms to arm you with magic
for family to shield you
for father’s calloused fingers to spark up a spell.
Jump up laughing, a whole child again.
Let their hands bless you,
heal and seal you,
send you out dancing as the calloused fingers cry
their relief,
as the soft palms relax
and give thanks.
Saying
in a muted breath
a prayer, your
name.