Bed Rest
we’ll see what we can do:
the only promise the nurse
offered me as my heart rate
slipped below 30, my ankles
swollen with edema: a result
of starving my body, a byproduct
of believing I don’t deserve to
take up space
between monitored meals & blood draws
between morning weigh ins
a nurse stays for hours to relieve
a tired patient care attendant
and tells me her daughter
had the same condition
that I have to fight for my life
words that splinter and heal
break through the numb monotony
of bed rest and acting the part
of the best patient to leave quickly
because of her I know
this is only
the beginning
*This poem is based on my personal experience being treated for anorexia nervosa.
Erin Jamieson (she/her) holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Miami University of Ohio. Her writing has been published in over eighty literary magazines, and her fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is the author of a poetry collection (Clothesline, NiftyLit, Feb 2023). Twitter: @erin_simmer
This is a powerful poem that reflects various factors- self-worth, illness, and the tireless effort of healthcare workers… Overall, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare, and how those can have an intense impact on the well-being and recovery of their patients.
Erin, this is so raw and vulnerable and honest. Thank you for sharing!