Tears for the dead, tears for the living
who persist in this world that is so unforgiving
Some never have the chance to breathe,
and for some Death brings great relief
But no matter the context, Death leaves its mark
always in our thoughts, heavy in our hearts
Lives across the world continue for longer
yet our focus on Death grows ever stronger
We treat Death as our greatest opponent
though its role is only in our final moments
Will I die miserably gasping for air?
Will there be peace, or will I be scared?
Few do what they should,
but most did what they could
Yet we ask ourselves, was it enough?
With my own body was I unkind, too rough?
A lifetime’s worth of questionable choices
unsure of the cure, we pick our poisons
Arising each day to fight off sleep,
the prescription we all so desperately need
For all the progress, for all that we’ve gained,
none go through life untouched by pain
Poetry Thursdays is an initiative that highlights poems by medical students. If you are interested in contributing or would like to learn more, please contact our editors.
Contributing Writer
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Melissa Huddleston is a fourth-year medical student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas class of 2023. In 2016, she graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in informatics and a secondary major in classics. In 2018, she graduated from Baylor University with a Master of Public Health in community health education. She enjoys hiking, jumping rope, and reading. After graduating from medical school, Melissa would like to pursue a career in pediatrics.