Under the Knife

In surgery, it’s anesthesia
That provides the buffer.
The patient is oblivious
And doesn’t have to suffer.

The family, on the other hand,
Must sit around and wait
On pins and needles, wondering
About their loved one’s fate.

It’s easier to be the one
Who’s underneath the knife.
Awareness is suspended
Of your worries and your strife.

But for the friends and relatives,
The hours stretch real slow.
It’s agony to sit outside
And not be in the know.

At last, procedures have to end.
Some news they will impart;
And then we’ll all begin to breathe.
Recovery will start.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 12, 2012 at 10:53 PM
You highlight the alarm and worry of patients and relatives experiencing surgery so very well. Once again, your flow and rhyming are immaculate, and your enjambment! Super job!! Best wishes, Keith
Collins Avatar
May 12, 2012 at 7:05 AM
Recovery is when the patient pays the price to loved ones' jitters. However, recovery is the goal. But oh the pain when the goal is not met. Sorry to put a damper on your oh-so-true and happy poem. love, Kathy
O'Leary Avatar
May 12, 2012 at 3:04 AM
The wait... so horribly horribe... nice work... Terry
Williams Avatar
May 11, 2012 at 10:24 AM
ilene a pattern of life, I like it..David
Andresen Avatar
May 11, 2012 at 5:09 AM
Wish you all the best....hope all are well in your family. - well written poem - oxox love Anne-Lise
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