Gasping For Breath

Before I got on the ventilator,

I never knew how important it was to breathe.

Before they put me in coma,

I never paid attention to being conscious.

Before I lost my taste and smell,

I ignored the fragrance of nature and taste of water.

Before all my blood was run through machines

I was indifferent to the life within.

Before I got a tube in my throat,

I never admired my voice, my speech.

Before I had my eyes closed,

I never adored the shades of sunset.

Before I said goodbye to my family

I never said, ‘I love you’ enough.

And now it’s time to go, far, far away.

If only I could get a breath, there is so much left to say.

This poem was originally featured in the Bulletin of Royal College of Anesthetists in the UK.