Valve and Vessel

Poems, recollections, and quotations

Written and recorded by a social worker
serving in a Chicago trauma intensive care unit.
Based on her experiences working with
victims of gun violence.

Vessel Part I

Cracked, flawed, rusty vessel.
A provider of a consistent flow of
Thoughts, feelings, experiences.
L.     I.      F.      E.
Filled to the brim, overflowing with
Privileged conversations.

Who then cares for the vessel?
Where do the words then flow?
Praying to water other souls.

05/06/2021

Vessel Part II

The stories we hear
like water
Soak in,
Absorb,
Become entrenched
And become us.

Internally,
We are a flowing river
Of thoughts,
Feelings,
Emotions,
And hope.

In this work,
There is a valve,
But
It cannot be turned off.

06/30/2021