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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> TWO VIGILS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> By Sally Rosenthal<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vending machine coffee,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bitter and now lukewarm,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sits neglected in the stark light<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of the intensive care unit’s<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time warp and uncertainty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Family members, as one, crane necks<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As swinging doors open and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Strain to hear awaited news<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From anyone passing in white.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beyond tired, this small clutch of<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Relatives perch on unyielding plastic,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>United in love and anxiety, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Not unlike my family days before <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In A waiting room far away.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This family, not mine, will end<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Its vigil in joy, grateful for<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The gift of life my husband’s liver<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Has bestowed upon someone they love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>