In a few words, this powerful poem depicts the experience of a spouse as her loved-one goes through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This caregiver is also a physical therapist; her words show what living through this process feels like for “a spouse rather than a clinician.” The poet includes a prose reflection on rehabilitation as a “lived process.” Spending a few moments with these words may well deepen any reader’s understanding and empathy.

What is the actual art and science of feeling safe? This simple yet profound poem connects the outer with the inner, the outside world with the mitochondrial—rather like taking a deep breath of fresh, clean air. Is this the true effect of empathy? Of “eye contact” without shame? The poem gently nudges us to pause, reflect, and contemplate what—at a fundamental level—safety is for all of us.

In this month’s Poet in Profile feature, Kathryn Paulson reflects on how poetry emerged as an unexpected but vital companion in her recovery from traumatic brain injury. Through vivid imagery and candid prose, Paulson traces how writing helped her process trauma, reclaim identity, and transform lived experience into connection and care for others navigating injury and healing.

In her moving poem, “Unicorn in Motion”, Dr. Dawn Brown speaks to the challenges of being seen differently and provides insights into diversity and identity in physical therapy. She shows how rarity can become a source of strength rather than a source of isolation.

A mother is dying from a tumor in her womb. Her lips are chapped; she can barely eat or drink. The caregiver looks on helplessly, going through the motions of life support, of providing comfort. Then her child enters the room, and shows all who are there what really needs to be done—a simple act of love.

Clinicians are trained to help: to put the patient first, to promote healing. But does anyone ever consider how that professional might be feeling? This brave account details the inner agonies of a physical therapist battling an internal “Her”—one that tormented her, and few around her even knew existed. Through this poem, she thanks those precious few who understood—and helped her “scars become superpowers.”

This poem encapsulates, in real time, the experience of a 3:00am panic attack, brought on by out-of-balance cortisol levels, and who-knows-what-other complicated factors. In this age of ‘fight-or-flight’ reactions that often don’t fit any apparent cause, the poet’s words bring home the struggles faced by many who just want to be able to relax.

doi: 10.18737/0607388978 AMA Citation: Preston-Hsu E. “To Doris, On Her Retirement.” J Hum Rehabil. 2024; Spring. doi:10.18737/0607388978 Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents This

In this lovely poem, the author pays tribute to the love that restores the soul when an ordeal afflicts the body. He reflects on the healing presence of caring friends and family throughout the process of mending both the injured body and the deflated spirit.

This beautiful and deeply moving poem focuses on a tiny object in a clinical setting. One day, this toy represents incredible joy and possibility, but the next day it evokes sudden loss and tragedy. The poem ends on a somber note, reflecting on the continuous strength of those who care for patients in hospitals.

doi: 10.18737/0607183821 AMA Citation: Nash W. Poem Against Any More than a Glimpse of the Battered Athlete, or Time for Dr. Pepper, Duracell, Anthem Blue

doi: 10.18737/0607300086 AMA Citation: Swiggum M. “The Hat.” J Hum Rehabil. 2023; Spring. doi:10.18737/0607300086 Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents My husband was so

doi: 10.18737/0607594699 AMA Citation: Nash W. Ascents. J Hum Rehabil. 2023; Spring. doi:10.18737/0607594699 Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents Rock-hobbled pace: praiseproud, profane. Slow

doi: 10.18737/0607755580 AMA Citation: Cramer SC. Owed to the Fingers. J Hum Rehabil. 2023; Spring. doi:10.18737/0607755580 Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents Fingers make

doi: 10.18737/0607565644 AMA Citation: Peterson S. Little Gestures. J Hum Rehabil. 2023; Spring. doi:10.18737/0607565644 Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents You turned the broken

In this powerful poem, Dustin Willis reflects on the frustration a parent feels while seeking answers and compassion from doctors who give too little time, thought, and care to his son’s complex needs. He wishes for change in this broken healthcare system. This is a heartfelt appeal that keeps needing to be made.

Kirsten Woodend considers the space between being “broken” and being “whole,” when the patient’s road to recovery will never end in full rehabilitation. She writes of the difficult struggle to choose between “acceptance” and constant striving toward “recovery.” In this poignant poem, she finds herself at a fork in this unique road.

With observant humor and a brisk rhythm, Michele Mekel’s poem evokes the memory of an awkward encounter in a waiting room, where a doctor initially dismissed her at first sight. “Office Visit” serves as a reminder to healthcare professionals not to make snap judgments and underestimate their clients.

Through a carefully constructed and thoughtful poem, Michael J. Leach, PhD, explores the tumultuous life and art of Frida Khalo revealing the tremendous strength that underlies this artist’s work.

English doctoral student Joe Fritsch provides an introductory look into the complex visual poetics of Larry Eigner (1926-1996), a poet with cerebral palsy, who developed his artistic practice over a lifetime.