OR #1

Brian Hyung, 2T2 Fitz

Artist Statement

This is a poem that tries to capture a patient's perspective as they prepare for a surgical operation. It was a piece generated while talking with patients about their experiences, as well as my own observations, inside the operating room.

One beat, two beats, my heart groans

One step, two steps, I walk alone

Enclosed by white walls, I’m led within

A room, a theatre, a place I’ve never been

A chill blows through my robe, too short

One face, two faces, strange eyes, I don’t know

Loud voices heard, but unseen veiled by masks

One tells me to lie down, two remove my gown

My arms outstretched, my soul held bare

Wires, a cuff, and a prick, I swallow my fear

One beep, two beeps, I try to breathe

One second, two seconds, and I escape to sleep