A junior doctor

By Kaninika Basu-Saha

‘Show’ing solidarity with those suffering and healing is wonderful. Please don't make a ‘show’. 
Thank you! 
Applaud if you truly believe, light candles if you can truly enlighten. 
Thank you!

Every moment I’m torn- profession or family
Every morning as I walk to work, 
I can’t recall the applause, 
The chill of horror and uncertainty runs down my spine. 

I try hard to forget my family while at work
I try hard to forget my patients while at home
Trust me, that's impossible. 
I manipulate the ventilator settings, 
I perform procedures on the sickest, 
I struggle to find the solution to a bizarre pathology, 
I do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

The sickest don’t see fireworks- they might never return to their families 
The jobless can’t applaud while they struggle to keep food on their children’s plates
Let’s change our mindset- once and for all
Don’t just say you care, show it.

Stand by those who are suffering directly and indirectly- that is solidarity
Stand with those who are trying to heal directly and indirectly
We shall light the tunnel- every single one of us- the humans.

---

Written Word ‘Heart’ poems