Casey Brown is a student physical therapist and writer. She writes to make sense of complicated experiences and to share it with her communities. Among other topics, she’s written about getting injured teaching barre fitness and about performing as a statue in a museum. She has a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. In her free time, she serves as a writing coach for high school students.
This gentle poem honors a lovely lady—“a hundred birthdays…give or take”—who gave her body to science. As the clinicians dissect, observe, and study, the poet juxtaposes the harsh procedures with softer observations. This lady was loved and cared for. The poem pays homage to a life well-lived, and to a final decision to help others learn.