On the bedside of a child with leukemia

As I look at your face

Time slows down its pace

Your outrageous smile and head devoid of hair

Reveals an innocence beyond compare

As you jump on me

Into my pockets to see

What I got for you

I realize already have everything that’s beautiful and true

Small you look, but mature beyond your peers

You have wrung happiness out of tears

And wisdom out of fears

Much you have achieved in your fragile years

I marvel at your inner drive

We strive to live but you live to strive

Yes, you have cancer in your blood and bone

But your attainment is your own

Your courage I have always hailed

You of boundless greatness

You of inner magnificence

You have triumphed over humanity when your elders have failed