The Surgeon Poem by Megan Von Tapp

Inject the dye, and
Paint my veins.
No need for anaesthetic.
Don't cry -
Don't be pathetic.

My blood's attacked by dyes and colours.
My heart shows bruises from old lovers.
He knows where to cut me.
Scalpal in hold, he pierces my skin.
His touch is icy cold...
It burns.
I sweat and yet I shiver.
He's breaking up my liver with his vile and vicious tools.
My eyes beseech his mercy -
Two wide-open, pain-stricken pools.

I dare not scream, I must not cry.
I'll let him work away.
I'm allergic to his gloves, but still,
It's for my good, they say.

Sew up my skin and
Make me whole.
Don't leave my body battered.
Tell me you did the best you could,
Please lie, and say I mattered.
Just anything to stop the bleeding -
Give me what my body's needing.
Take away my pain.

One way or another, doctor,
Let me breathe
Again.