they're cold but they don't judge
blue lights respond to everyone
even her, so small, hiding
in a wardrobe
tree lights are other lights
sparkling joyously, festively
it was difficult watching my own play
after her, so small, smoke filled,
never getting to play with whatever
she got under those other lights
Categories:
paramedic, death, jobs, loss, mental
Form: Free verse
what’s the bloodiest, the goriest
it’s what they’re really hoping for
but bread and butter routine falls
uninjured, aging vulnerables
just needing putting back to bed
or in their chair, their blanket days
with smiles as they’re left alone
strong but crying inwardly
the cold and lonely prison home
we drive away hoping that
someone will check up on them
and after shift when we’re in bed
thinking are they still there sat
where we left them hours past
have they eaten, have they ‘been’
that’s the toughness no-one sees
or wants to hear or gives a damn
or interested when they ask
what’s the worst call that you had
Categories:
paramedic, dedication, devotion, health, introspection,
Form: Rhyme
I was a paramedic for many years until a work injury put a stop to things and so this is a poem reflecting on my career
my blood was pouring into him
while his blood stuck
my feet to the floor
a floor vibrating over wheels
screeching corners with road signs
flickering lights, shouting back at us
how we disturbed sleep
this night of every night
this shift of every shift
there's something about
metal and bone
how artistic, exquisite,
we shared our mettle
and our blood back then
my ambulance was theirs too
Categories:
paramedic, body, car, feelings, work,
Form: Free verse
Its a new day.
The clouds have parted.
I see a brand new way.
Hell has frozen over.
The demon has been slain.
Nothing will ever be the same.
I feel joy I haven't felt.
I've been released from the fray.
I've tossed the shield.
Burned the blood soaked uniform.
I finally feel as if I'll be okay.
No more the violence.
No more the sadness and the pain.
No more internal acid rain.
I've called my last death.
Ill never again;
walk in nightmares;
and shoulder the damage.
Ill never again;
hold myself to blame.
Tears of relief fall.
I've checked out of that horrific game.
-Angel Fatale-
Categories:
paramedic, bereavement, career, change, eulogy,
Form: Free verse
Silently, I view your eyes.
Marbles, moving towards judgement.
So easy for you to surmise.
Where they came, where they went.
Haughty, you ignore my report.
They sadly sit in abject failure.
Icily, you give sharp retort.
Treatment of trash, forced to endure.
Revered only by ignorance,
you continue in your sin.
When did you spoil?
When did the pretension begin?
A pit of incestuous vipers,
you utterly disgust me.
Overpaid and overfed,
worth of service, less than free.
Doing more harm than good,
braggart of your lame degree.
Vomit forth your opinion.
Giving no order without a signee.
You wouldn't last a day on my box.
I would never clear you.
I only oversee true compassion.
Heroes born into the job they do.
So I beg you retire, already.
Put yourself out to pasture.
Your friends already graze there.
In my mind, you couldn't exit faster.
-Angel Fatale-
Categories:
paramedic, abuse, care, corruption, humanity,
Form: Rhyme
The paramedic lent down, ignoring the noise,
The commotion and the screams.
He was focused on just one thing, her in the driver’s seat,
He ignored the other teens.
The lights and sirens, the urgency,
He sat quietly by her on the stretchered ambulance bed.
He gently prised her fingers off her phone,
And this is what it said.
“Hey babe, can’t wait to see you,
I’m driving all of us to your place now, my little boo.
I….” The paramedic finished her words with a tear
Knowing she no longer could “… love you.”
Categories:
paramedic, car, teenage,
Form: Quatrain