You are not alone: a vow to my patients

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are featuring something a little unusual in this months's issue: a poetry submission. This is dedicated to all the nurses who are working incredibly hard in the NHS and those who have returned to help with the current crisis. Thank you.

You are not alone. I am here, although a stranger, I will come to know you in one of the most vulnerable times in your life. You are not another patient, You are a person. I will seek to know you, To uncover what you value, What makes you tick What makes you uniquely you. You are not alone. I will look into your eyes Just above my mask, through my face shield. I am not just looking at your pupils, But I am looking for the colour, the shine, the dullness. I will look to your face for signs of hope, pain, fear and weariness. I will touch you, gently, To turn, palpate and bathe, To reassure you. With my own gloved hand I can hold yours And let you know, You are not alone. Whether you speak or not, I will do my best to communicate with you, To inform and educate you To orient you to this foreign landscape. To build trust, I will listen to your story, your wishes, hopes and fears, You are not alone. I can be the middleman between your loved ones and you. When visitors are restricted, I will relay messages of love, hope, and encouragement, Even secrets. You are not alone. And in your darkest hour, When things seem to unravel, I will venture out into the unknown with you, I will watch over you. I want you to know, Although hailed as a hero, I am only human. And in my humanness, I will grieve with you And hope with you. You are not alone.