Rudi Is Fine, I’m Still Shocked... Poem by Louise Tredoux

Rudi shall live, out of ICU, everything under control,
I’m too scared to be happy, fearful a vengeful god
might hear me and punish me for my happiness -

Remaining in quiet neutral, grateful, aware of how
precious life is, remaining within a sacred space
where only serious contemplation is allowed

Ready to shoulder the burden of life, too scared to
hop, skip and jump, trying to guard the secret of the
good news from the devil, not giving him a chance

To get at me by attacking Rudi, I must keep calm, not
alert any strange forces to the positive turn of events,
keeping my beloved safe from all that can harm him

Singing in joy might anger the jealous gods, I’m rational
and still rather shocked at having nearly lost my raison
d’être, I don’t want to risk anything now...