This morning our memoir writing class eagerly connected into our new Zoom classroom. We surprised ourselves with efficient advanced mailing of assignments over the weekend and getting our sound and video sorted out before the official class start time. [If you’re following this blog, you may recall my homework posted here a couple of days ago under “Coronavirus Haikus“.]
Our hesitant attempts at this verse form ended up being a refreshing source of joy and wonder. These verses became an outlet for a landscape of emotions and experiences, we are struggling to figure out.
Our self-appointed class comedienne, who never fails to make us laugh, did a ‘one-eighty’ on us this morning. There was none of the usual light and breezy stories we so look forward to. As a medical professional, who thrives on being in the middle of all the action, she has been unexpectedly forced to sit on the sidelines this time – due to personal risks. The media has been so focused on the dire situations our doctors and nurses have been thrust into, that we hadn’t considered others who might be excluded.
Setting aside her default style today, our fellow writer reminds us that there may also be those among our first responders who are struggling, because they cannot be there.
She gave me permission to share her piece. Thank you dear friend.
Haiku Doc’s Dilemma Yesterday calmness Slow deep breaths and long dog walks What a difference Home on furlough A perk of the elderly This is new for me Harvey struck last time Brief paralysis then go Doctors are like that We’re Team NRG Twenty-four and seven Twenty-three days without stop That is what we do We assess, we act, we help We like the front lines This time so different Molasses, not torrent We wait and we wait I am home on leave I feel very conflicted It’s a balance act I miss my clinic I miss my nurses and staff I miss my patients Pulling me one way Pulling me another way What is the right thing to do? Protect yourself, Doc Protect your dear family We care about you I called my dear friend She always gives good advice She said, “This is real Please do not go in I cannot get out of bed This is not pretty I am sick with chills Short of breath when I get up We are quarantined” Do I take a risk? To me or my family? Risk their health and lives? Feel anxious today Worried about my dear friend Who knows what’s ahead?
The Coronaviary 