Oncology Nurse Shirt

 

Oncology Nurse Shirt

The bird's warmth faded away. Its Oncology Nurse Shirt slowed along with its breath. For a long time, I stared thoughtlessly at it, so still in my hands. Slowly, I dug a small hole in the black earth. As it disappeared under handfuls of dirt, my own heart grew stronger, my own breath more steady. The wind, the sky, the dampness of the Oncology Nurse Shirt on my hands whispered to me, “The bird is dead. Kari has passed. But you are alive.” My breath, my heartbeat, my sweat sighed back, “I am alive. I am alive. I am alive.” Essay written for the "topic of your choice" prompt for the 2012 Common Application college application essays.