Agony Aunt

The idea of asking for advice or help I entertain

When burnout seems to loom, and my exhausted brain

An actionable plan cannot figure out

I want to look for help, but am filled with doubt-

Would I actually find the support that I desire

Or would a reputation for being weak I acquire?

*

My profession assumes we all have a high degree

Of resilience, fortitude and an infinite ability

To work without sleep, food and mental breaks

That unwaveringly, in stressful situations, we can take

Critical decisions, while being empathetic and kind

In this milieu of extremely high expectations I find

Myself coming up short- but I hesitate to ask for advice

For admitting my vulnerability I do not want to pay a huge price..

*

I formulate questions that I would ask in a physician group online

But never post them, I just cannot cross the line

Between my bottled-up frustration and its expression

To reveal my weaknesses would be the sort of confession

That I remain quite terrified to make

I know professionally there is much at stake

*

Here is the silver lining to this cloud of despair

As I jot down my concerns I become more self-aware

As I define my problems, clarity I gain

Novel, creative solutions emerge in my brain

I become my own agony aunt so to speak

My spirits are lifted, work does not appear as bleak!