To the girl with the walking frame seen in the hospital corridor:

I heard the thump as you moved the frame forward 

and then I noticed your askew ankle and your hanging hip

I saw your scarf, long sleeves, all covered:

an abaya would be impossible

I was glad you chose movement over decorum

And then I saw your face

ablaze with effort

and I looked for your eyes

and smiled in greeting

Hi, I said, I’ve seen you upstairs

and you smiled in return,

Hi, I’ve seen you upstairs too

and then I heard the thump as you moved away

x