Dr. Rosenblum,
a contributor to the ConnCord, gives us the following poem, published in our Fall 2009 edition:
EYES WIDE OPEN
A Poem By Dr. David Rosenblum
The rhythmic artificial sound of air
Pushed in and out
I can’t breathe
A collar ensuring no movement
Where no movement is to be found.
I can’t move
A mind betrayed, from the chin down
Senses absent, all but pain.
I can’t feel
Tears
Fear, panic, so many questions
I am lost
Unable to talk, even thoughts clouded
Sedatives, needles, tubes, pain
What happened?
What will happen…
Eyes wide open, hoping, praying
Chaos, ambulance, transfer
New place, new people
New routine, uncertainty
Rehabilitation. What is that?
I can’t breathe
I can’t move
I can’t feel
Who are they? Will they help me?
Eyes wide open, seeing, searching
Rehab nurses, rehab physicians
Lots of therapists and staff
An amazing team
Kindness, support, caring
Ventilator weaning
Learning lots
Pain is less.
Out of bed. Sitting up
With help
Lots of help
I can’t breathe
I can’t move
I can’t feel
But I am here.
Eyes wide open, understanding
Ventilator is off
I can breathe!
I can talk
Bowel programs, bladder programs
Skin care
So much to learn
Directing care
I am helping others help me
Driving a wheelchair
Going when and where I want
Computer access
Environmental control
Family training—they are with me
Tools to help me
Eyes wide open. What do they see?
A mirror. In passing
A moments glance
A look, then I stare
Beyond the chair, the neck brace
Beyond the muscle atrophy
It takes a moment, but it’s clear
Eyes wide open. I see me
Dr. Rosenblum is Medical Director of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, Gaylord Hospital, Wallingford;
