Deep breath. Hold it. Don't move. Okay, breathe out. br The second scan detects a new dismay: br X-rays confirm my body's swollen doubt. br I feel the chest straps tug; nurses convey br My gurney toward the operating room's br Dumbfounding glare. My surgeon wears a frown, br Confides a crooked complication looms. br I eavesdropp on the chat of starchy gowns. br br On glossy trays, I spy the vanguard blade; br Catch sight of stainless forceps' slackened jaws; br And as I bluff that I am unafraid br The anesthesia gums my mind in pause, br br But not before her image makes me start br And even as I drown, my heart takes heart.