Giles Dawnay is a GP and writer from Herefordshire. His website is www.gilesdawnay.com
Waiting in the pews to be called,
all putting off the final appointment.
An earthly matter of when, not if.
All tradition has its interpreters,
either the cloaked or ordained. Trained
in translation of the local sacred text.
Kneeling at their feet, or stripping layers
to let the stethoscope hear. Our beating
fates placed in the learnings of others.
Forgive me, for I may have sinned. Mind
and body hold a heavy cross of the visible
and the unknown. Good health signs off
full participation in this world, pure of
heart prepares us for the next. Hoc est
corpus, sent to your chosen pharmacy.
Confession to communion, go in peace,
to love and serve your world. Penance,
promising its host, a full resurrection.
Deputy Editor’s note – for a review of Giles Dawnay’s book of reflections and poetry see: https://bjgplife.com/waitingroombook/
Featured photo by Cherry Laithang on Unsplash
“Our beating fates placed in the learnings of others” – does this sum us up as a profession?! Beautifully written.