Snowdrops

Sheridan Scott, M2, Class of 2026

A child smiles softly, toy reflex hammer released
a plastic stethoscope still donned
as pudgy fingers fight to apply a Little Mermaid bandaid
over thick, black fur
where Mr. Snuggles’ heart would lie.

A girl counts silently, bag-valve-mask squeezed
a plastic stethoscope no longer sufficient
her hammering heart unwilling to still
as breathing for two people
leads her to wonder
how the woman became so ill.

Older now, naivety removed
like fallen autumn leaves
she knew the burden of illness
and the cruelty of disease,
reflected in patients’ eyes and
mirrored in those who held them dear.
The fragility, unpredictability of time
that causes a loved one’s screams
to overshadow outside noise and etch
a permanent mark in memory
as compressions neglect to replenish
ink into a pen–
unwritten chapters forever blank.

Yet, older now she knew that snowdrops bloomed
despite winter’s unforgiving chill
and knowledge mixed with compassion
achieves incredible feats
and gratitude in patients’ eyes
leaves her feeling unable to speak.
For medicine is most complex
and indescribable at best
to be entrusted with patient care
is an honor above all the rest.