Transition

Twilight yet the world never looked brighter Than over moving water The inquisitor’s strain had no teeth And the kingdom seemed in reach.

Half a beat later and breathing was labored A gasping goldfish eyes wide open Then fixed and dilated forever

But soft and with a gentle caress
Merciful and kind
Our ministrations; a clumsy foal
Fumbling with the departure
Of a newborn soul.

Poem submitted by Alfred Cheng, emergency medicine resident in New York City

"Humanities" is a column designed to post short stories, art, music, or poetry related to health, medicine, or the human condition. Please send your contributions to nyemergencymedicine@gmail.com