Inside The Pod (Mri Scanner) Poem by Sheena Blackhall

Inside the pod, privacy is assured
It could be a futuristic coffin for an astronaut
It could be a Japanese hotel room

The scanner screams like a dentist's drill,
Like a banshee passing a kidney stone
But yet it is warm, and soothing
Like a dog-eared teddy

I imagine I am staying in Tokyo
I imagine I am staying in a capsule
I have removed my outdoor clothes and footwear

There is an etiquette to be observed
‘Are you comfortable? ' the medical aide inquires.
‘Yes thank you, ' I reply, not wishing to disappoint

It would be unmannerly to fart during the scan
In Japan, if you lie down immediately after eating
Folk say you'll turn into a cow

In the scanner I feel quite cow-like
Like a beached Friesian, enjoying a summer meadow

They have removed my denture, my watch, my identity
But left me my Buddhist woven bracelet
Blessed by a Saigon monk
So I know I'll come to no harm

The scanner will eject me, like a spat out pandrop
Into the wheeze and grunt of the hospital's breezy entrance