This is part of the Medical Humanities series on Op-Med, which showcases creative work by Doximity members. Do you have a creative work related to your medical practice that you’d like to share? Send it to us here.
One, two, three I am counting the days to hold you in my arms. I dream with your touch, and your warm hugs.
Four, five, six I am thinking about all the things we will do. Play with blocks, kick the ball, and of course read a book.
Seven, eight, nine The last days are the worst. I can’t wait anymore. Life is lonely and quiet without you.
Ten, eleven, twelve I remembered the past, when I counted the days. You were inside of my belly, and I was ready to meet you for the first time.
Thirteen, and finally fourteen You knock very hard; it is already time. I am as excited and anxious as both of you are. I take out my mask and open the door. You run to my arms and with tears in the eyes, we say with one voice: Quarantine is done!
What was your inspiration? Did other creative works, if any, influence your creation of this piece?
To Eli, Ari, and Alex. Thanks for being the light at the end of the tunnel. My inspiration came from my caring boys and my supportive husband. They were waiting for me on the other side of the door during my COVID-19 quarantine. I dedicate this poem to them and to any other spouse and child that had the same experience.
How long have you been doing this activity? What got you started? How do you relate it to your medical practice?
To be sincere, this is my first poem. I am used to writing medical articles, so this is a completely new experience for me. I use this poem as a way to express myself during challenging and non-precedent times. Hopefully this poem will have a positive impact on other people.
Why did you choose this medium? What interests you about it?
In medicine, we learn the importance of communicating with others, transmitting information, and sharing experiences. Poems are used to express and share feelings, beliefs, and stories, as well as connect with others. Using just a few words and some rhymes, I wanted to transmit my personal experience. Even more important, I wanted to keep this special memory and share it with my kids when they grow up.
Dr. Miriam Zylberglait Lisigurski is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine and Geriatrics physician and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She is the Internal Medicine Residency Associate Program Director at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. In addition, Dr Zylberglait joined Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine as the Medicine Clerkship Director. Dr Zylberglait completed the Physician Leadership Academy (FMA) and a Fellowship on Leadership Education and Development (AAMC). Dr. Zylberglait has a supportive husband and two wonderful little boys that help her to keep balance between her personal and professional life.
Disclosure; "This project was supported (in whole or in part) by HCA Healthcare and/or an HCA Healthcare affiliated entity. The views expressed in this publication represent those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of HCA Healthcare or any of its affiliated entities."
Illustration Collage: April Brust / GettyImages
