Dragging their IV’s or wheelchaired,
some simply pale but free to move
like lifting birds, too light
to stay earthbound long,
the children light up,
give first smiles in days.
The craft table is manned and well-supplied,
the burners on the toy stove
sizzle with a proffered pan,
the batteries all charged
and computer games easy to load.
The books are shelved,
play areas foam padded,
and electric outlets close by everywhere
to keep the children plugged in.
Someone full of care
has thought this out,
an ordered creation,
the kind to give us hope.

-- Carol Hamilton