The Way We Raise
The way we raise
Our tired heads off of pillows
For the ninth day in a row
Brushing away frightened thoughts
And dressing in flimsy armor
The way we raise
Our hands with inquisitions
For the answers still unknown
The unfamiliar but vital
When every decision carries weight
The way we raise
A reused mask to our face
In hopeful desperation
To contain and be contained
When fear becomes virulent
The way we raise
Your chest with every breath
Air static with possibility
Inhale hope, exhale dismay
Fighting an unforeseen battle
The way we raise
Awareness of the brewing storm
Sheltering to prevent statistics
Advocate, educate, appreciate
Solitude when shared air betrays
The way we raise
A glass to the creative
Many productive generosities
Uniting generations in a time of need
Showing up before being asked
The way we raise
Our flag up to the heavens
Grant the skies infectious sighs
A declaration of no surrender
Tomorrow’s promise earned today
The way we raise
Our hearts up to our sleeves
To see and believe the oath
We swore to stand for humanity
That day we donned our white coats
The support has always been there
Sutures holding close a wound
Prideful resolution to fight
In the name of those we love
So when all is said and done
The world will know forever more
As the human race, we persisted
And together at the close
We’ll stand hands entwined
And you’ll see
The way we rose.
Jenny Mears, PA-C
New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell
Neuro ICU/Covid Unit
