for elizabeth before surgery at m.d. anderson

Sister Lou Ella Hickman

November 2, 2025

you

feeling small with fear . . .

a glow of sun hidden

yet shimmers on the water of waiting . . .

you the poet

will write

as you slowly let your body

voice the elusive

with words you are longing for

Sister Lou Ella Hickman, OVISS is a former teacher and librarian whose writing appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. Her first published book of poetry is entitled she: robed and wordless (Press 53, 2015) and her second, Writing the Stars (Press 53, 2024.) She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2017 and in 2020.