SMELL of STERILIZATION an' DECK of CARDS

Smell of sterilization,
deck of cards on the table,
other patients dressed in hospital gowns;
grown woman on her bed crying--
arts and craftsn in the afternoon.

Clinical staff milling about the ward.
Doctors' an' nurses, periodically come--
a nurse, checks blood pressure an' heart-rate,
blood-sugar,
meals, designed by a nutritionist.

No caffeine after six.
a meeting before bed.
Pills at night. . . . at first light.
let's not forget, the desire to be discharged
within 24 hr's.