LettersOpinion

OPINION: ‘Ode to a nurse’

An inspirational poem from the pen of Pastor Irene Myingwa.

I am someone’s follower –

Some people call her

The lady with the lamp,

Others call her Florence Nightingale and

She’s one of my heroines.

 

She was a woman

But with a man’s heart,

She was not scared of blood –

Her deep concern was in nothing else

Except saving people’s lives.

Re-assuring the wounded,

Holding the weak,

Nursing the helpless,

Whispering words of courage

To those about to die.

 

Praying for those who are helpless,

Listening to the dying’s last words,

Closing the eyes and mouths

Of the dead –

That is the lady I am following.

 

I am a volunteer

For no remuneration

Could ever be equivalent

To the sacrifices I make,

Working day and night

Leaving my partner alone

For at least seven long nights,

Leaving my little ones lonely

Desperate and longing for their mother’s love.

 

Will anyone out there

Raise a voice of applause

Because of my contribution?

Will anyone out there

Praise me for the extra mile I walk

For the benefit of the nation?

 

Can you imagine

How difficult it is

To shut the doors for your loved ones

When we equally need each other?

Has anyone ever observed

The temptation I exposed my partner to

When I’m out there serving the nation?

 

Call me a failure

If you want

But I call myself a hero

Due to the sacrifices I make.

I sacrifice my time and family

In order to serve the nation.

 

Brothers and sisters

Let’s work with more commitment

For our job is more than just a job.

It’s more than working for men

But there’s a reward up there

From the Almighty God

Who is God of justice,

Who has observed

And is aware of all our sweating.

He will give us exactly what we deserve

When our lives come to an end.

 

Let the nation give a nurse

A round of applause

For my work is one of a kind.

Serving twelve hours a day

Is more than a sacrifice

Rejoice and realise everyone

That this nation without a nurse

Would never survive.

 

HAVE YOUR SAY

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