Critical care units
and intensivists.
Probes and inotropes
intubation, ventilation
stents and tiny balloons.
A little wedge pressure
a little wedge driven
between doctor and patient.
Separation, isolation
“isolette" is no better
when a child faces it.
Barrier nursing:
a cruel oxymoron.
They need
the most and the gentlest
touch
These isolated ones
in the sterile rooms.
Mothers stand by, speechless
Fathers pray, silently.
Partners wait for life.
These are our other patients.
Magic bullets
intravenous cocktails
to render senseless
have not paralysed them.
Time to get back to the bedside.
To touch the patient
to touch the family.
The latex hands
and masked faces
the curious cloaks
and stethoscope necklaces
must become more tender.
The others need support, too
for visitation
not isolation
in the ICU.