The rain drips from grisly skies
with unending patter
on to the roof beneath
my window. Darkness comes and across the city, lights
struggle to penetrate the haze
of water suspended between heaven
and the earth. Visitors come cringing through the rain
bringing their too-hearty cheer
and then, as suddenly, they
are gone. Night settles over the hospital like a blanket,
muffling the sounds of patients
preparing for the night, and nurses
moving quietly. Sleep comes for most, bringing relief from pain
and boredom, while others endure the
lonely night, waiting for the day. Nurses keep the long vigil of the night,
standing guard against the spectre
and bring comfort and ease to those
in fear and pain. Light eases across the still-leaden sky,
bringing new faces to assume the care
of those who remain, and a new day
begins.
This poem was written during the night hours of November 12–13, 1974 while hospitalized as a newly diagnosed with “Juvenile” Diabetes (Now labeled as Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes.) The one below was written for the nursing staff of ward 3B at South Waterloo Memorial Hospital after three weeks of hospitalization while I learned to cope with my new lifestyle and it’s regimen of urine testing, injections and diet.
Thank YouThe friendliness, fun and clowning
Made days that were long seem less so;
To keep such a cheerful appearance
Takes much extra effort, I know. Since I’ve become diabetic
These chocolates are no longer for me,
But it gives me real pleasure to give them
As a, “Thank you”, for the care you gave me.
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