I know I must listen attentively, it’s the right thing to do
But listening takes effort, and in order to get through
A busy day, I am ashamed to admit that often I
Interrupt patients, tune them out- I won’t lie
I cannot find enough hours in the day
To talk and exchange information in a meaningful way
Therefore I try to cut through every conversation
That becomes tangential or long-winded, to my consternation
Redirecting some patients is hard, and when neither one
Of us is listening to the other, my job remains half-done…
*
Sometimes in the midst of superficial banter I find
Valuable clues that direct me to a patient’s state of mind
I slow down then, reprimanding myself for being hurried
And pay more attention to elicit what has them feeling worried
I realize that if I listen with my full attention
In just a few minutes I get in-depth comprehension
Of a patient’s major issues, plan a better course of treatment
Which is, after all, my overarching intent..
*
I’m guilty of not listening well, in my defense all I say
Is that I am prone to being distracted easily during a work day
The pressure of time to get through more patients feels to me
Like a sword over my head, threatening constantly
Despite all this, I know I can listen if I make a conscious choice
To hear my patients, not just my own voice
Passion...unbridled 