Original DDE™ art: “What It Takes” by: rob kistner © 12/16/25
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2025 taught me survival
as a quiet discipline
not heroics
not banners
just breath
returning again and again
eight hospital days
machines humming
uncertainty
confusion
ebb and flow of fear—
time reduced to repetitive procedures
meaningless chant of numbers
mask-obscured faces
voices in the near dark
unfamiliar medical odors
and endless footsteps—
so many footsteps
eventually names
and increasing recognition
I learned—
the strange journey of surgery
how stubborn the body can be
how mercy arrives
disguised as routine care
how precious water is
privacy is relative—
and the number of dedicated people
needed for one critically ill to survive
how life keeps choosing you
even when you are unsure
survival
ultimately is not defeating fear
it is gratitude
practiced daily
for morning light
for water held steady in a glass
for the kindness of caring hands
for a gentle word
for memory
still answering its name
I move slower — yes
and much less steady
but every step carries thanks
being here is enough
I accept the gift
and hold it gratefully
rob kistner © 12/15/25
Had me some surgeries in my time
Wishing you comfortsble days
?much love
Thank you Gillena! 🙂
To be thankful for the care is wonderful, and the stubborness of your body… love it.
It meant the world to me… 🙂
I am so sorry that 2025 was a difficult year for you, Rob, and I’m glad you are back writing at the Poets Pub. Let’s hope 2026 is much better.
Hope it is a great year for you as well Kim, and I am glad my muse returned… 🙂
Rob, this is a keeper. I wish I have this equanimity and wisdom when faced with setbacks that old age brings.
Sending you warm wishes for the coming year.
Thank you so much Punam… 🙂
Life is a quiet effort indeed. Breathing in and out we hardly realize that it must go on and the flow with in like an interstate highway keeps going endlessly with the rhythm of a fragile heartbeat!
Glad you made it through your surgery and are back with us again, Rob. Take care. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you Dwight! Merry Christmas my friend… 🙂