I cared for you even before we met.
As letters meandering the page
sketched the contours of a portrait,
I looked forward to meeting you.
As I enter the room,
I sense a fragrance of time past,
of struggles endured years before–
silent whispers of a mind’s unrest
reflected through misted eyes.
As we talk,
of a soul’s facade you steadily disrobe.
Words of suffering and pain, joy and pride-
each syllable a silvered twine
weaving your life’s story.
I examine you.
Your heart-
that fulcrum deeply hinged.
A bittersweet thrum
of a battery strong but worn.
Your lungs-
that which sing
their own melodious song,
a lulling carol
invigorated with each exhale.
From there a journey it becomes
to strengthen you, to make you whole.
A disease conquered, a valley bridged.
A hollow filled, a life restored.
We work together.
As ripples in a wake,
your life affects mine,
for the same heart that aches
when you suffer
rejoices with you
in your victories.
Because this is what I treasure–
the chance to care for you,
to walk with you.
It is a privilege.
So thank you for letting me.
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Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Medicine, Poetry by Phoebe
Ii love this poetry from a physician’s heart to her patient. Beautiful imagery.
Exquisitely said. I like your line that states “your lungs- that which sings their own melodious song.” Except the ones I listened to sounds like carburetor that sputters and wheeze. 🙂
Lol…indeed…the tune does vary. Thanks for reading! 🙂
THIS is what we all hope to have from our physician when we need them the most……when we’re helpless and sick, feeling hopeless and lost……..a good physician is a light in the darkest tunnel and we move toward it with trust and hope. You put all of that in poetic form SO well…….the dedication you bring to each patient’s bedside shines through each line.
Pam
Thank you, Pam. I can just imagine the feeling of hopelessness and vulnerability of being severely ill and at the mercy of a few strangers. We are called ‘caregivers’– my hope is that we all would aim to provide the best care…not simply to diagnose and treat…but to genuinely care for them and their family during this time.
Have I mentioned I missed you?! :D. This is beautiful. Created a visual image between the doc and pt.
Indeed…I missed you too! And thank you. 😀
What can I say, Phoebe, except beautiful, beautiful. I wish more doctors wrote poetry, connected with feelings/emotions, and adorned their offices with lovely art like yours, 🙂
Thank you so much, D.S. 🙂