The first case of the day has the challenge
Of walking the green mile. No gurney. No
Wheelchair. Just a friendly stroll pushing an
I.V. pole down a dark hallway chilled to
Subzero temperature. It feels like the
Last mile, but there's no electric chair, just
A narrow table. Masks and gloves. MDs
And RNs. A flying saucer of lights
Overhead. I enter and all eyes turn
My way. It's awkward, dramatic even,
This cold, prime time staged scene in the O.R.
I feel so compelled to warm up the room,
That I joke, now that the guest of honor
Is here, I guess this party can begin.
Alysa Cummings