At the end of the tunnel there seems no light
When the beast of sleep deprivation I have to fight..
*
Being called at night is an evil necessary
In my profession, we wear sleep deprivation as a proud accessory
We learn to work through hours of sleep lost
But repeated lack of sleep does come at a cost..
*
Young and starry-eyed, fueled by adrenaline
Augmented and supplemented by caffeine
Working nights and days with enthusiasm immense
I almost miss those nights of training intense
*
Now I am older, exhausted and jaded
Cynicism has set in, idealism has faded
My sleep is interrupted often but rarely does it any difference make
To my patients’ well being when I am forced awake
*
I can still work long hours through the day
But working day and night takes away
Pleasure in doing everything I do
A physician but a human being, I need sleep too
*
Over-caffeinated, over medicated, in overdrive
This verse has been penned by me in a state sleep-deprived…
Passion...unbridled 