fear factor
it was not long after
the third doctor came by
to tell me it would be
another hour until
I was taken back
to the operating room
that the woman
in the next cubicle
began to assert herself
“I want to leave”
a sentiment shared
on almost every stretcher
but she was serious
and her proclamation
upset the rhythm
of the cardiac ward
the anesthesiologist’s
attempt to subdue her
became a power struggle
as she chose control
over compassion
and stormed away
missing the fear in
the eyes glaring at her
the nurse who followed
said she would help
the woman get ready
and then led her out
past the rest of us
perhaps more fearful
of leaving than waiting
my time finally came
but not before the
doctor offered a litany
of possible complications
all rare he assured
and when I woke
in the recovery room
a few hours later
groggy and aching
I wondered how she
was recovering
and whether either
of us would get
much sleep
Peace,
Milton
Oh Milton, sending much love and prayers to you from Marshfield Hills.