Wake-Up Call

Surgery Center
Procedure begins
Beep-Beep-Beeeep
Heart stops and I feel nothing
Five seconds
Procedure halted
Five seconds
Inject remedy stat
Ten seconds
Beep-Beep-Beep
Heart beats and I know nothing

Try again
Procedure begins
Beep-Beep-Beeeep
Heart stops but I feel nothing
Ready this time
Procedure halted
Inject remedy stat
Fifteen seconds
Beep-Beep-Beep
Heart beats but I know nothing

Procedure cancelled
Collective sighs of relief
I wake up
Procedure incomplete
Explanation
A simple procedure I’ve had four times
I’m okay
No bright portal
No family greetings
I feel and know nothing

Recovery room
Nurses
You scared us
Doctor
This is a rare occurrence
Why me
I feel
Disbelief
Anxiety
Fear
Curiosity
Gratitude

I know
I have more time now
To appreciate family and friends
To savor each day
I feel
Alive