Lacey Jones Poet Sonnet

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion Fatigue

Resentment looks a lot like Narcan in a sharp
and feels like it’s forcing out my will.
I grab them both; Naloxone and the tarp,
the outcome undetermined by my skill.
Same guy, same place, same drug; third time today,
his unresponsive body cold to touch.
Compassion has fatigued and crawled away,
when I see something tiny in his clutch;
A crucifix, a cross is glinting gold.
Immediate withdrawal floods through his veins;
I’ve plunged the needle, and I tightly hold;
his bloodied eyes snap alive with pain
despite the death wish of his toxic dope,
a Savior finds him worthy of His hope.

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Regina Mcintosh February 21, 2024 at 11:55 PM So sad, humbles the heart. Wonderful writing. God bless you, love, Gina Lacey Jones February 22, 2024 at 7:35 AM Thank you, Gina.

Francine Roberts February 21, 2024 at 5:47 PM you can feel the frustration in this poem , fantastic write Lacey , so sadly a sign of our times Lacey Jones February 22, 2024 at 7:36 AM Thank you, Francine. Yes, it was a frustrating, heartbreaking time.

Aqua Marine February 21, 2024 at 9:12 AM I immediately thought of my father who was a doctor in a busy hospital casualty, many years ago. I grew up listening to "stories like these..." He often came home "burnt out..." He couldn't take a day off work when he was ill... I hope you take care of yourself, Lacy! I have art students who are interns, and they have found ways to use art to refresh themselves. If this is not fiction, excuse my response. It sounds too real to not be true. Warm regards, Aqua M Lacey Jones February 21, 2024 at 9:52 AM Hi Aqua Marine! It is absolutely real (I am a retired addictions nurse) and thank you so much for the reply.