Stiff Hand

Scrubbed in, water cold.

Anxiously waiting to be told.

Stand over there, she scolds.

Blue gown, brown gloves then white,

To the table, on! the bright light.

Blue bovie, brown skin then white.

Stiff hands next to skilled ones;

Mind racing but quiet tongues,

Only the sound of intubated lungs.

Close peritoneum, muscle, fascia and skin.

He leaves to talk to next of kin.

Hand shakes as sutures spin.

Time to heal and start again.

Kristen Syed is a recent graduate of the UTCOMLS.

Odyssey