A Nightingale Sings… Poem by Dr John Celes

I yearned to be a special bird
That sings a human song!
The nightingale was my first choice,
My dream and wish for long.

I read there lived a Nightingale
– ‘The lady with the lamp! ’
She took care of the maimed soldiers,
And sick who reached her camp.

I heard she was a noble soul,
Who toiled for ill brethren;
She was the founder of Nursing,
And turned the hell, heaven!

I joined a School of Nursing and
Learnt art of care of sick;
I donned the white cap, nurses wear,
And learnt to dress and prick.

I took the ‘Oath of Nightingale’,
To serve the sick with love;
It was my life’s happiest moment
– God gave me from above!

My life was one of sacrifice,
Reducing pain and ills;
I’ve joined a noble profession
That satisfaction fills.

I have to be always patient,
And learn to wear a smile;
I say kind words, explaining things,
And hear to woes awhile!

I come across all types of men,
Women, children diseased;
I see a lot of suffering souls,
Some till they get deceased!

I’m glad God chose me for this work,
That’s noble to the core;
It fills my heart with joy to see
All healthier, people more!

Though nurses, doctors help to heal,
God is the healer prime;
He hears the pleas of stricken souls,
And cures them in His time.

The Potter God made us clay-pots,
With love and equal care;
We ought to fill up to the brim
– Be His best earthen-ware!

God will reward my work on earth
With health, wealth, happiness;
I thank God for this glorious birth
To serve Him in excess!