the ward is alive
with patients on trolleys
that may not survive
needing the toilet
but unwilling to leave
as the patients will die
you are told and believe
mouth dry and parched
throat sore with thirst
giving fluids to the patient
that needs it first
rest break is cancelled
still on the feet
smiles and is comforting
to the patient they meet
is there a bed for them
they ask on the phone
the management and pager
won't leave them alone
the shift thankfully is over
they head for the loo
and cry uncontrollably
like the other staff do
