EMERGENCY 101

By Author Paul Hughes

“Emergency 101” is a style of poem known as a Villanelle. It reflects the contrast between the many challenges faced by staff and the pain and fears of patients in an overcrowded Emergency Department

EMERGENCY 101

Speak softly, gently into this day and night.

You gods who rule these white hallowed halls;

Fight to the end against our pending plight.

Tortured souls lining these walls full of fright.

Claim overheard words as their own fate, their downfall;

Speak softly, gently into this day and night.

Gurgling lungs wanting air, limbs won’t sit right,

All praying today is not the last day they recall;

Fight to the end against our pending plight.

Dressed in black, teal and blue, whimsical colours bright,

Making decisions not knowing how the future might fall;

Speak softly, gently into this day and night.

Frustrating ramping, angels work through the blight,

Rage against red tape, pleading to a brick wall;

Fight to the end against our pending plight.

Long shifts haunt the weary, no end in sight,

The damaged keep coming, the rush doesn’t stall;

Speak softly, gently this day and night.

Fight to the end against our pending plight.

 © Paul Hughes