Franks Psychiatry, 2 #28: getting stuffed

Frank Prem

a man has died

 

I am learning
that it is nurses work
to prepare the body

 

I understand
sponging down

 

and ticketing a label
to a toe

 

I can make sense
of the slack body

 

the difference
that absence of life
makes

 

and I realise the point
of inserting wadding
into loosened orifices

 

but I cannot comprehend
the rage
of the Senior Nurse
as she manipulates
the gauze with tongs

 

and there are no explanations
in my texts
to account for her need
to apply such a vicious
final insertion

 

~

  • Author: Frank Prem (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 6th, 2018 01:10
  • Comment from author about the poem: Franks Psychiatry Pt 2 - student daze.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 8
  • User favorite of this poem: Laura🌻.
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Comments2

  • Goldfinch60

    Those who have died should be treated with respect and dignity.

  • Laura🌻

    Frank,
    There’s absolutely no need for viciousness towards anyone...especially the deceased! I think they just became desensitized and jaded like many soldiers become...(they kill because they’re fighting a war)...

    ~Laura~

    • Frank Prem

      That's a good analogy, Laura. I've had a lot of encounters over the journey with 'staff' who have the feel of soldiers fighting in a losing war.

      The toll of the job, for whatever reason, has sapped humanity out of them.

      I see you've caught up on a few pieces - thanks for your comments. It's wonderful to have enthusiastic readers such as yourself and GF tuning in.

      Regards,

      Frank



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