Silently I creep
Merciful drugs in hand
Child coughing in her sleep
Racking
Hacking
Fitful body twisting
Arching
Stretching towards the air
Plastic interlocks plastic
I connect tube to belly
No gagging on articial flavors
Thick pink fever-reducer
Sticky purple cough restraint
With sleep-inducers
Chase with water
Suddenly
Flailing
Arching
Strong arms pulling tube
Don't pull it out!
Geyser bursts forth
Stomach projectiles air in fountain of mystery fluid
Panic
Relief
The tube is still in
She is still asleep
though slightly damp
Tiptoe
Softly
Back to bed
Child coughing in her sleep
Racking
Hacking
Nothing more to do
But wait
