Voices in Humanism

Patient

Vulnerable
with restless hair
snapped too-big gown
skin paper-thin
eyes searching for answers
hands outstretched
impatient promises
shakily given, easily broken
the clock and the IV pole
marking endless hours
time does not exist here.

Jessica Rutsky, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellow,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Voices in Humanism Board