Nightmare

The clock is ticking and the walls are so white
In this blue speckled gown I am a fright

They are putting something into my hand
Sticking it into that vein, that blue thin band

And Dad is standing there looking so pale
Grasping the cold metal rail

And now he’s talking to the lady with the stethoscope
He’s looking for some sign of hope

I don’t like her smile so sharp and mean
Like the needles long and clean

Now there is no time to stall
I am curling up into a tight ball

When they say it won’t hurt I know it’s a lie
The pain is too excruciating to scream or cry

There is no painkiller for the lumbar
Yesterday seems now so distant and far

She made the first mistake
How many more of these will I take?

Again and again the fluid refuses to come
The nurse holding my legs is anxiously smacking gum

Then I feel something that paralyzes me
Even though I can’t see

She has hit a center of nerves and I know
That my spinal liquid won’t flow

Until three small drops emerge
And I see Dad’s energy surge

What if it’s too late?
And I can almost touch my fate


Over eight needles now and I am wondering about
How many more they will need to end the doubt

Here comes the new doctor for attempt four
I cannot feel my legs anymore

All I can do is gasp when I feel needle twelve enter
This doctor hits it right and center

The fluid is flowing and so are our fears
With pain my whole body sears

There is blood covering the sheets
And I think that this sure beats

Any stupid scrape or cut
Or any insignificant kick to the gut

And I know this had to be done
Or my chances could be next to none