DAY 18 - A RUBA'IYAT :

A NIGHTSHIFT ON THE WARD

Some of the patients really can snore

Loud vibrations rattle through to the floor.

Some are more quiet and just give a 'pffh'

Or the wakeful knock on the office door.

They've had their medicines and evening drinks

They've bathed and got rid of muscular kinks.

Now softly to bed, where sleep eludes

Because they spent all day having forty winks.

The confused walk the corridors up and down

Pacing every onwards with a worried frown.

They can't remember their name or address

So they continue to pace in a hospital gown.

Those in pain buzz for an injection

Or help to turn in a different direction.

Though others are much more reluctant

their personal problems to mention.