Willed Body Donation

Sent to UT Southwestern Medical Center
Willed Body Donation Dept.
For my Dad

THE GIFT

Handle With Care!

This is the body 

that shielded

wounded soldiers

under fire.

These are the arms

that carried them 

through the jungle,

to safety.

These very arms 

held me warmly,

when I cried,

and worked to provide

food and shelter.

These are  hands 

that carved sculptures,
 painted

beautiful landscapes

and portraits.

These are the feet

I stood upon,

that taught me

how to dance.

This is the back 

I slept against,

in safety

from the storms.

These are the lips

that kissed my cheek,

sang songs,

and told  stories.

This is the heart

that beat for us,

with steady,

unwavering love.

These are the eyes

that saw the world

as it really was,

but reflected back

what it could be.

These are the eyes

that saw injustice,

and the mouth 

that spoke out

against it.

This is the head

that thought things through,

and guided so many

with wisdom.

This is the cancer

that took him from us.

Hate it

as we do,

and let that passion

fuel your work. 

Here is the body

he decided to donate

some thirty years ago,

and now we also

let go.

Draw knowledge from it.

Teach with it,

Gain skill from it.

But above all,

Respect it.

Make this gift

worth all that we still suffer

from the loss

of his warmth

in this world.