Monday, August 23, 2010

Vital Signs

Respirations 4 to 8 per minute, Doctor.

So slow, chest rising, catching,
pausing, resuming, limping, chasing

My hand on her wrist
Wait

Still watching her chest shudder, pause
perhaps this time? no, rising again

My fingers search
Gentle, probing, searching

Apical heart rate 38, Doctor. Do you want to do something?

Yes, I do.
I lift my hand off the pulse that is no longer there
And place it over hers.

I stop measuring, and start being.

No comments:

Post a Comment