Hospital Admission

The impending date brings apprehension
When confronted with the need for action
The pre-op procedure does little to ease the tension
Measurements a mere distraction

Checking the patient’s current state of health
Blood pressure, sugars, pulse, circulation
Many numbers but fortunately not our wealth
The costs met by the citizens of our nation

The doctor checks our respiration
ECG, Xrays and scans as needed
Earnestly seeking any indication
Of a defect so far unheeded

What are these tests meant to prevent?
Medics incurring culpability?
Misadventure to the patient who has given consent
Surely for both, reduced unpredictability

Ken Fisher