Modern day warriors
on the front lines of big cities
and small towns.
They walk the narrow path,
their minds wide open,
their hearts stretched.
The scrubs,
masks and gear they adorn
do not shield them from
the vulnerability of the moments
hanging in a haze.
The shifts are long,
days stretched into nights.
Hours that wear on the mind and soul.
They watch the sick,
the fragile,
those
that want to take a breath
but can not.
Those that fade away dying alone,
alone,
alone.
The room empty
no love whispered,
nor prayers.
Poetry on their skin
as their eyes drift.
The ventilators stand guard,
voices heard through the corridor walls.
There is no parole from this prison,
no furlough.
There are monitors and screens
displaying vital signs
displaying vital signs
and humans in spacesuits.
There are memories that play with the mind
in and out of awareness.
A nurse holds a phone
to witness a last goodbye
to cherished ones.
Fragments of a conversation,
amends for words unspoken,
for dreams unfulfilled.
One more day,
one more night,
if only...
This tells it exactly as it is. So sad. Front line workers right now have one of the worst jobs in the world and they are heroic for showing up for work every day. I cant believe even this virus and compliance/noncompliance has become political. With horrifying results. It boggles the mind. Stay safe. I think of your two beautiful grandchildren.........am glad they have a family who will keep them safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry. The world is in a crazy place right now. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe.
ReplyDeleteA raw poem. Our warriors do have to watch those who want to take a breath but can not. That hit home.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSadly this is a fact of life, or should I say fact of death, for many in these strange times. Your poem is so poignant and beautifully descriptive.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThey risk so much to keep people alive. Thank goodness for their compassion and dedication.
ReplyDeleteYes...thank goodness.
DeleteOne can hope that the presence of those offering care lessens the loneliness... even if just a bit.
ReplyDeleteIt is heart wrenching...dying alone.
DeleteVery powerful poem and very poignant The dying alone is the very worst thing you can imagine. I hope they find peace and love in the afterlife. Front line workers are a special breed of people. My friend is a nurse and she is a great warrior
ReplyDeletei shook my head at the truth of your poem. so many hardships in such a short time. 2020 has proven to be the most horrifying year of my existence here on earth. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThis is a very dark part of the covid... so many having to spend so long time in ventilators before dying or making it. It must take its toll on the hospital workers.
ReplyDeleteImpactful and haunting … an important piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy.
DeleteSuch poigant piece and so true
ReplyDeleteSadly, the way things seem to be continuing for the foreseeable future.
ReplyDeletesadly
DeleteYou've captured the feelings so well. xx
ReplyDeleteHow true!
ReplyDelete