The D Spot

Sometimes it feels like I’ve left all my compassion at the door;
Or I’ve given so much, I’m empty and dry.
My shoulders still damp with others’ tears.
I come home and I am tired
or my legs hurt, or my back hurts
from bending, lifting, pulling just one too many patients this day.
Sometimes it feels like I
have given so much to others that
there is nothing left for myself.
parched and dry emotionally, and
hungry for the same compassion
that I have spent this long day.
And I fall into bed exhausted
My arms wrapped around myself,
searching for some type of comfort.
And yet,
and yet,
I get up the next morning, if not refreshed at least
slightly rested.
And I pull on my white scrubs and
put my stethoscope around my neck.
Back out into the world,
spreading more sunshine and healing,
no matter the cost to myself.