On Call

5 AM

Fatigue, nausea,

shower, hospital,

patients first

then paperwork.

9 AM

Crowded office, phone calls,

walk in patients, sick staff,

head congestion.

12 PM

Lunch meeting,

afternoon clinic, interruptions,

phone calls,

lab results.

5 PM

Drive home, traffic,

ice, cold, weather,

coughing.

6 PM

Dinner, dishes

children, baths,

bedtime, stories,

laundry.

9 PM

Journals, mail,

diaper changes on the newborn,

a few minutes

with my wife.

11 PM

Sleep.

12 AM

Interruption, the Emergency Room.

1  AM

Help son to the bathroom.

2 AM

Give admission orders.

3 AM

Diaper change.

She looks up at me,

6 weeks old, she smiles,

closes her eyes,

Hope…

Peace, for just a moment.

Every day

5 AM

Fatigue

Nausea

Shower

Hospital,

Patients first.