Thursday, July 31, 2025

The Weight of Ivy

 The screen glows bright, 

a single word appears, 

And with it, silence, calming all my fears. 

A dream I'd held, a hope both grand and old, 

Now etched in pixels, stories to unfold.

The weight of books, the midnight's whispered plea, 

The burning fire of curiosity. 

The trembling hands, the pounding of the heart, 

All led to this, a brand new, brilliant start.

A world of stone and ivy, green and deep, 

A legacy of promises to keep. 

The long, hard climb, the struggle and the strife, 

Just one small page in a new book of life.

Friday, July 18, 2025

Rapid Response

 

The Call

The pager screams, a sudden, jarring sound, 

Shattering the quiet, where peace was found. 

A rapid response, the message stark and clear, 

Another life hangs, battling with fear.

The Gathering

From different floors, they gather in a sprint, 

The nurse, the doctor, with purpose in their print. 

Respiratory therapist, swift and keen, 

Pharmacist too, a well-oiled machine. 

No wasted motion, no time to delay, 

Each step determined, come what may.

The Scene

Into the room, where silence holds its breath, 

A patient fading, on the edge of death. 

Monitors beeping, a frantic, urgent plea, 

The team descends, a force for life to be. 

Eyes quickly scanning, assessing the scene, 

A silent language, sharp and ever keen.

The Work

"Airway secure!" a voice cuts through the air, 

"IV access!" beyond all earthly care. 

Medications drawn, with precision and speed, 

A dance of knowledge, planting hope's own seed. 

Compressions strong, a rhythm for the heart, 

Each skilled hand playing a crucial, vital part. 

No hesitation, just focus, sharp and deep, 

While fragile life, a silent vigil, keep.

The Turn

Slowly, gently, a flicker takes its hold, 

A pulse returning, a story to unfold. 

The breathing steadies, the color starts to rise, 

A fragile victory, reflected in their eyes. 

The tension eases, a collective, soft release, 

A life pulled back, from the brink of final peace.

The Aftermath

The room grows quiet, the crisis now is past, 

The team disperses, their efforts holding fast. 

They walk away, to duties yet untold, 

But in their hearts, a story bravely sold. 

For in that moment, when shadows loomed so wide, 

A rapid response, where life and hope abide.

Hopeful Beginings

 A fresh page turns, a story starts anew, 

With every face, a hopeful, open view. 

No longer strangers, just a little shy, 

Beneath the vast and ever-watching sky.

A whispered greeting, then a gentle smile, 

Connections forming, lasting for a while. 

Or maybe more, a bond both deep and true, 

A friendship budding, vibrant, fresh, and new.

For in each eye, a world yet to explore, 

New laughter waiting, joys held in store. 

So let us meet, with spirits light and free, 

And hopeful hearts, for what our friends will be.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Park Squirrel Summit

(from perspective of young chocolate lab Murphy) 

Today I saw a squirrel, I SWEAR.

He gave me this defiant stare.
So I leapt up, like six whole feet,
But Mom just yawned and took a seat.

She always says, “Don’t waste your pace.”
But squirrels, Mom. They mock your face.
I chase them just to prove I can,
I’m strong, I’m fast; basically man.

Then Mom said, “Murphy, leash still on.”
And yeah, I realized squirrel was gone.
I wagged and barked, no squirrel fight,
But next time, squirrel. It’s on. Alright?

Faith Renewed

 The cathedral didn’t fall in a night. It went stone by stone, a quiet heist of the heart, until the ribs of the vault were just bleached bo...