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| 58 countries with universal health care, according to Stuckler, et al (2009) |
That moment when opportunity knocks,
“Yes” falls from you and you don’t stumble,
but
step up to machines, knives, technology
and doctors with kindly eyes and skilled hands.
You surrender to them as if they’re gods,
quietly praying to your own for each one
and
they don’t fumble but step up to your spine
and fix it while you're in morphine slumber.
You wake in sterile haze, alert enough
to know there’s months of healing left to go
but
insurance will step up and juggle bills
for nursing, rehab and medication.
You ponder luck during long hours alone,
thank God for union benefits and pay
and
physicians who step across borders
to serve people in crisis free of charge.
As weight of brace and sensed foreign presence
in spine replace unbearable leg pain,
you
step on slowly, grateful to nature and
science ~ and spirit silently applauds.
in spine replace unbearable leg pain,
you
step on slowly, grateful to nature and
science ~ and spirit silently applauds.
Copyright © 2015 S.L.Chast
expressions of truth reality pain and gratitude ~ reflection of thoughts when going through surgery,hopeful, praying and spiritually moving towards recovery...touching lines which are the manifestations of so many healed and on way to recovery
ReplyDeleteit is a blessing when there is a doctor when we need one and an insurance that pays for the treatment and recovery. in germany we often take it for granted but i know it is not
ReplyDeleteYou said this so well how we, at their mercy, relinquish all control to the "Gods" of medicine praying that our God guides their hands and helps heal us.
ReplyDeleteSusan, the shape of this adds so much to your tone, and message...almost vertebrae, in and of itself. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhew, Susan, this really is an inspired and inspiring poem. It takes a lot of confidence to put your body in the hands of a team of doctors, I think. So many risks involved. And yes, we surrender to them as if they are gods, and for us in those hours we really pray they are. And, yes, there is so much to thank God for...coming out of the surgery alive, that bills are paid (no small thing in this country), and hopefully a pain free existence follows. So glad you are back, Susan. Your poetry remains strong! Smiles.
ReplyDeleteYou know - its a miracle the advances of modern medicine. A hundred years ago it would have been rudimentary, or been unable to fix some things and you would have to live with the pain. Even still, going under the knife and giving yourself over to the doctors to be "fixed" can be quite intimidating as well. Good to see you back and hope continued healing.
ReplyDeleteYour map of nations with universal health care is very telling. How little most of the world values the health of their citizens unless a profit can be made. How much we trust our doctors to bring us back to health.
ReplyDeleteThose first steps are so freeing arent they? Glad that this long journey has you back on your feet Susan - hurrah.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these insights into how it was for you — and making them into poetry, moreover. It must have been arduous (and probably still is) yet it seems there's a lot to be thankful for, too.
ReplyDeleteA really great piece and one to ponder on. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteI think the key to recovery and healing is in ourselves and this seems to radiate here...we can be thankful to those who practically provide for us when we most need but once their work is done..ours begins...and it takes courage and determination to take that step..of which you do...admirably
ReplyDeleteIn medicine, innovation is life and death. Such advancements of technology make new possibilities in medical therapy options,.... So glad to hear you are healed :)))
ReplyDeleteInsightful innovative and a fantastic piece, Susan.
Such an inspirational poem.. indeed we leave ourselves completely in the hands of doctors and medicine which in turn nurture us and promote inner healing. Beautifully executed.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
this a beautiful poem of gratitude and courage...
ReplyDeleteWow, that map is sobering - so few places with access to the medical care we enjoy. You took us through your journey so well, Susan. I really got the sense of how you were feeling. I love the note of gratitude in your poem - and the gratitude you maintained throughout this journey. Your spirit is strong, and your writing remains strong indeed. So happy all went well. I so admired your faith, trust and courage as you went through this passage.
ReplyDeleteThere is always a salvation when a need presents itself. It has a way of making it happen. But not many can be made available to all. Those privileged often may just take it for granted. Great thoughts Susan!
ReplyDeleteHank
I loved the last 2 lines especially. So wonderfully you have narrated your journey, Susan. Very inspiring indeed :)
ReplyDeleteSusan I am so sorry for your pain...you are so brave, but I understand, what else can one do? Hopefully it will pass soon, and you will be recovered, and best of all, not dead! Just Susan all better again...
ReplyDeleteThis unfolds perfectly and is just razor sharp. An inspiring read.
ReplyDeleteThis is a poem which captures all the angst and anxiety of a surgical procedure. However for me the map revealed the true situation. I had never realised that the greater part of the world has no health care infrastructure and I cannot expressed how sickened I am by that cold hard fact. I hope you fully recover soon.
ReplyDeletethank you for this poem of experience. i pray that you will find healing and comfort in yourself again. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are out of the worst of it and now in the healing process Susan. We do look to these doctors as Gods don't we. But to work in that profession sphere they have to be specially blessed creatures
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in to read mine Susan
Much love...
A story of good fortune and skilled hands. Glad your recovery is going well.
ReplyDeleteYou went through the major surgery, the challenge and ...won! Congratulations! Now - healing, which can be faster when you have so many people wishing you feel better soon! ~ Loved 'and spirit silently applauds' ~ Love and healing, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThe spirituality to bring to this healing is such a gift, Susan...thank you, so much for sharing I'm sending healing energy and light to you. <3
ReplyDeleteI consider myself lucky to be living in a country where health and medical care are accessible to everyone - no matter how poor or without private health insurance. Makes one question why all those greyed out countries aren't green as well - especially considering how some of those countries are spending billions on armies and guns and wars...
ReplyDelete