THE NURSE in London Punch
Reading edition
Reproduced by special permission of the Proprietors of “Punch”
HERE in the long white ward I stand, Pausing a little breathless space, Touching a restless fevered hand, Murmuring comforts commonplace— Long enough pause to feel the cold Fingers of fear about my heart; Just for a moment, uncontrolled, All the pent tears of pity start. While here I strive, as best I may, Strangers’ long hours of pain to ease, Dumbly I question—Far away Lies my beloved even as these?