Blue latex feels slick against
my hands. I grip my instrument tightly,
surprised breath escaping me as
the scalpel quickly reveals
glistening unknown beneath.
As we work in tandem to expose the
knowledge we seek, I ponder what memories
this body has known.
While my hands slice and reveal, I see
vibrant sunsets, earth-shattering heartbreaks,
Sundays at the park.
I imagine dreary workdays,
passionate embraces, rain-soaked windows,
every shimmering facet once contained in this
chrysalis before me.
I will never know each faded childhood memory,
the favorite crisp linen shirt, every midnight kiss.
We are ephemeral beings,
brilliant and glittering for only an instant.
Yet within this speck of light
is unconditional love, laughter, and hazy afternoon baseball games.
Within each pearly dewdrop is contained
the infinite.
Poetry Thursdays is an initiative that highlights poems by medical students and physicians. If you are interested in contributing or would like to learn more, please contact our editors.
Contributing Writer
University of Minnesota Medical School
Meagan is a first year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth, MN class of 2023. In 2018, she graduated from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry. She enjoys traveling, outdoor adventuring, and playing with her golden retriever Cooper in her free time. After graduating medical school, Meagan would like to pursue a career in psychiatry.