Revelation

by Merrick Harris

When you walk inside the room, a stranger awaits.

An unknown perspective, a wealth of enlightening experience

consciously guarded behind selfless simulation.

Perhaps a façade meant to discourage curiosity

in acquaintances, close friends, even family,

but you are not those things, and yet, in a way,

still closer to you they feel.

Peeling back the layers of a constructed expression,

you elicit a picture, a purpose, a problem.

The defenses before you crumple,

papers tossed away.

Tears begin to flow.

Pouring out a midnight cry, seldom heard by natural ears,

they finally trust that someone will understand.

The physician’s place is one of unique privilege,

all of their patient’s chemistry is laid before them, bare;

they open their body to the mercy of expertise,

with vulnerability measured by your reciprocation.

But how to pick up the fragments of an atomized individual-

labs, charts, history, presentation-

is a skill that cannot be taught, to gently reassure their parts

back to the form of humanity and dignity.

The impartation of one’s most intimate experiences

by the patient, the release of that which is locked away

inside hidden vaults of the mind, to the physician,

a sanctum of private consultation,

produces an artistic display of knowledge and feeling,

stoicism and compassion,

science and faith.

From exchange of despair, distress, and profound joy,

the patient, a volume of unparalleled detail, and

the provider, a listening heart intent to cure,

are forever united by the bonding power of revelation.

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Merrick Harris is a third-year medical student at the UTCOMLS.

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