10-Crimson Gold

Who knew cancer patients

went through so much blood?

In some countries

family members

must walk the streets

begging for donors.

But I can rest easy,

knowing that each time

my son’s blood pressure sinks,

or his labs come back low,

bags of that essential fluid

will keep showing up

from somewhere.

I long ago lost count

of how much Eli has needed.

I think of all those

unknown, benevolent souls

who have saved Eli’s life

again and again.

If only I could

reach out my hand

to thank each one

for their selfless,

impossibly precious

gift.