Three trays

Three trays Same time Same hallway Her name Taped crooked on the door We straighten it like it matters (It matters) Steam from the cart like winter breath Plastic lids Paper cups We balance questions on the spoons we lift Try not to rush the minutes Let her see patience in our faces Let her hear kindness in our tone Let her find truth at the table In every bite In every "you're not alone" Soft choir answers each line we say Under these buzzing bulbs This narrow day A future bigger than this bed A future bigger than this bed She jokes about the colors on her wristband Says "I’ve had better bracelets than these" We laugh too loud Then quieter (we're learning) Fold fresh sheets like small white promises Tuck the corners Dodge the tubes Hold the silence till it’s steady Leave the fear out in the hallway Let her see patience in our faces Let her hear kindness in our tone Let her find truth at the table In every bite In every "you're not alone" Soft choir answers each line we say Under these buzzing bulbs This narrow day A future bigger than this bed A future bigger than this bed