Bitterness.
Each word, a slap.
Each consonant, piercing.
Bursting in like a winter’s storm,
you permeated into our lives.
We wanted to help you,
but we only came to fear you.
Many shook their heads in pity.
Some avoided you.
Others talked about you.
Contempt.
Each gesture, scornful.
Each insult, stinging.
My attempts to talk to you
only seemed to anger you more.
You terrified me. Yet I yearned.
To see. To know. To understand.
I knew you were frustrated.
Your disease, unforgiving.
Slowly devouring.
I knew you were discouraged.
Your body, powerless.
Slowly succumbing.
But why wouldn’t you let us care for you?
Desperation.
Each day, the same.
Each encounter, fruitless.
You turned us away again and again.
Until one day I confronted you.
I asked you why.
And you told me.
I know you don’t really care. This is only your job.
My job.
It all made sense.
The bitterness. The coldness. The distancing.
I understood.
Stepping forward,
leaving behind the pride, the decorum,
my arms enclosed around you.
The fear escaping my racing heart
only after you made a move to wipe your eyes.
You then collapsed into me.
My shoulder, an insulation
to the sound of choked sobs.
You never said a word.
But in your cry I heard your anguish.
I heard desolation.
I heard relief.
Things were never the same after that.
Your bitterness was gone.
Your words, softer.
Your eyes, warmer.
You allowed us to care for you,
remaining strong even
as your disease progressed.
Until one day, like winter’s snow,
the seasons beckoned for you to leave.
But even then, as you faded away,
you reminded me of the day everything changed–
The day I gave you the hug.
•
Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Medicine
You are very very profound ~ and I am very very lucky to meet you!
It is a pleasure to know you too! 🙂
Very well crafted darling,
there very honest childlike emotions.
You’ve not forgotten how to play!
methanks kiss of love
Thank you, Chris. 🙂
This is a wonderful story of the power of Love and Compassion!
Dwight
Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
Dear Dr. Phoebe, Very powerful poem. Most heart moving. Thank you for sharing this poem with us. Sincerely, Richard
Thank you Richard! 🙂
Class write
😀 🙂
Reblogged this on richwrapper and commented:
from WP-following JohnCoyote’s “read this” in my Reader. I FB-shared and reblogged as well. Thank you both., JohnCoyote and Puppydoc. And thanks most to that person who finally got and gave that hug.
Sigh… *Felt*
So insightful about the psyche of a patient who may be indifferent to the caregivers because of previous neglect. You captured it beutifully.
Thank you. 🙂
You are welcome.
Wow! It’s hard to get a hug from some Doctors. And others a ritual! I think you are the kind of Doctor I’d like to have, because it’s not ‘just your job’!
Aww thank you. 🙂 Yes, I think as a profession, we doctors definitely need to learn how to hug more. 🙂
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Positive and good words by a talented writer. Please read and enjoy.
A amazing and hopeful poem. Thank you. All of us need a hug.
Indeed…we do. 🙂
Awww!
This brought tears to my eyes.
It is very touching.
Only a compassionate soul like you could have done this.
May that departed soul rest well.
Keep up the good work PuppyDoc.
Thank you, dear Amity. 🙂 🙂
Ah, brilliant writing, Phoebe.
😀 <3
How tough can melt into tender with one of your hugs and that line ‘like winter’s snow, the season beckoned for you to leave…’ so poignant.
<3 🙂
Again, goosebumps. But wet eyes, too. So many people in the hard world need hugs.
Indeed…life is too hard [and sad] to not be hugged…
What so many patients need and rarely get.
You captured the scene so well – I felt it and lived it… again. Beautifully written Phoebe!
Thank you, Rob. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Your poetry is as beautiful as your person. I wish you were my doctor…but, in a sense, through your poetry, you are.
Thank you for your kind words, Joan. 🙂 🙂
Soooo so powerful! Deeply moving!
🙂 <3
This is so sweet………….and it reminds me of something that the years since my Mother died had “erased” – which was a similar incident when my frustration at her not allowing me to help her with her care resulted in me just giving her a huge hug. It broke the barrier – she told me later she felt I was just doing things for her because I thought I “should” as her daughter……but the hug showed her it was because of love….she had Alzheimers and didn’t always “get” what was going on. Anyway, your poem certainly touched me…………..and gave me back a memory I’d tucked away many years ago.
Pam
Wow…it is so touching to hear about what happened between you and your mother. No doubt that moment made a difference. I am very sorry for your loss, though. 🙁 Big hug <3
Thanks for the hug! You know how we feel about hugs around my house! 🙂
I want a hug just from reading this! Such a beautiful sentiment and sad scene yet comforting at the same time….I love this Puppy! 🙂
<3 🙂 😀
My initial reaction to a number of your poems was that you were clearly in the wrong profession but now ….. no …. you are clearly in the right profession. Keep up the writings. You have such beautiful things to say. 🙂
Thanks, Colin. 🙂 But I hope I haven’t been giving too strong of an impression that I was in the wrong profession… 😛
One critical way that a hug changes things. There are so many…. But that one was awesome. So many doctors could learn so much from you.
Phoebe,
This speaks to me, truly speaks.
My best to You
john
Thanks, John. Wishing you the best also. 🙂
That was so beautiful, Phoebe. I thought you might appreciate this post about encouraging others. There’s a video clip in there which is really appropriate xx Rowena
Beautiful and touching.