.
Before my flu goes away
She brings me soup and licorice
To warm my tummy and push
Things into my mouth
She is welcome to usher away the gloom
Of too much rest
And to escort the dog from the room
In the uniform of a friend
Who could be her double
But slightly more so
The nurse before me now
Knows the healing power of kissing
Letting her mouth come so close
Licking, then running
She seeks the heat of my fever
The unzipping of the bleached white cotton
The sound of elastic on her healing
Dark skin snapping
A coo of caution not to expect much more
Than a severe tongue lashing