TITLE: Delivery By Leah Nichols 09/13/08 |
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Also, I'm attempting iambic pentameter, which was Shakespeare's primary rhythm. I think it has too much straight pentameter, so I'm going to revise some of the lines to have more of an exception so it's not just "de-DUM-de-DUM" all the way through. Please feel free to write an honest critique (red ink acceptable) as I know I have plenty to do yet as far as editing!
When once upon a time the night grew long
As waiting for our shift to come to end
We gathered in the classroom to devour
A salad made of many parts to blend
Just as we sat, indulging in our meal
A ringing came from phone before so hushed
Upon the answer of the call we knew
In minute's time we'd all be pressed and rushed
For coming up from triage soon would be
A woman young and inexperienced
And in that moment, there upon the gurney
Her second stage of labor had commenced
Report we heard from shaking ER tech
That shouting could be heard from miles around
With brief examination at the door
The crowning head of infant they had found
Away we flew to prep the birthing suite
While charge nurse placed the call to wake the doc
Our speedy nursery nurse did set the bed
And I ran to the cupboards to take stock
Throwing the gown, a blanket, O-2 mask
Upon the table's only open space
I laid the straps out for the monitor
The pieces readied, baby's heart to trace
Then running to the cart to set the stage
For birthing of the babe soon to be seen
The instruments I placed with care and order
In sterile fashion laid by my routine
The room now prepped, we waited for arrival
Of shouting woman heard beyond the doors
And in she flew upon the wheelchair's seat
Then crawled up into bed upon all fours
I struggled hard to set the straps upon
Her body writhing in unyielding pain
And all the while she called for epidural
Impossibility we couldn't explain
For with each push the babe came nearly out
And soon without a doc she'd have to be
Delivered of her firstborn child tonight
Of pain in moments now she'd soon be free
Slipping the sterile gloves upon my hands
I braced myself to guide the baby's head
The nursery nurse stood by with towel poised
To dry the infant once it hit the bed
The mother screamed as with one push it crowned
Its cheeks popped out as soon as face unveiled
A second more for shoulders to come out
And in my waiting hands the babe inhaled
With squalling infant now delivered safe
My nimble fingers grasped to cut the cord
In mother's hands we placed her newborn boy
She sighed on seeing labor's great reward
The doc came in to finish up the job
For rest of the repair and checking mom
In moment's time the mess was thoroughly cleaned
And all the chaos settled into calm
Remaining hour flew by with much to do
My paperwork to finish up just right
And as the day shift came to work they asked,
"What really is it that you do all night?"
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