The Graduate Nurse

By Olive C. Wehr

I saw you graduate last night –
A girl grown woman-wise,
Arrayed in emblematic white,
With stars deep in your eyes!

I saw you moving down the years,
Serene and unafraid,
While easing pain, dispelling fears,
And working undismayed,

Though holding in your cool, strong hands
A trembling life; nor yet
Complaining of the day’s demands
While evening stars had set.

In touch with all life’s mystery,
Whether of death or birth,
And failing not in sympathy –
An angel come to earth!

I saw you graduate last night;
I paused to smile and nod,
And say how well you looked in white –
And now you work with God!

(1948)