Feeling unwell too Mohamud Verjee | Assistant Dean, Medical Student Affairs, WCM-Qatar

Feeling unwell too

Mohamud Verjee Poetry

I caught a cold, just my good fortune Usual sore throat, fever, runny nose Headache, fever, muscle ache, caution Have a bit more, a cough, in the throes

I was fine yesterday, recall the child That spluttered in my face days ago Examining him carefully, yes I smiled Unaware of consequences, feeling low

Had to leave the office, too ill to stay Hang on, wait, just some last minute work Doctor go home, unified, all the staff say Struggle with this guidance, not to shirk

Referrals, reports, file data to enter No use, have to give up, better to rest Jelly leg walk to my car, I leave the centre Getting home in one piece, a real test

Stopping off to buy some milk on the way A patient hails me across the aisles Hey doctor, here shopping on a workday? I acknowledge briefly, mutter lifestyles

Doctors are not supposed to be sick So some patients tell me when they visit Forgetting that I too am human, no sceptic Hard to tell them if I am ill, or be explicit

All I can think of is a pillow under my head The chance to ease my aching limbs, flat Too many symptoms, now widespread Water, rehydration, no food, that’s that!