The neurosurgeon who is probing
With her ultrasound needle
For the place in my spinal column
Where the terrible pain begins

Chats at the same time
With the anesthesiologist
About the catastrophic
Election results this morning.

Suddenly the ditzy nurse interrupts,
'Look at that amazing tree
Blossoming pink outside the window.
See how beautiful it is!'

And I, immobile,
Face down on the table,
Am grateful for that nurse,
Can only be relieved -
However temporarily -
By her injection of hope.