Before and After, After and Before

Click, click, shoes stride across the floor.
Click, click, white coats come through the door.
Click, click, before.
Tick, tick, after.

Each stride counts out the life held dear.
Each step counts out the facts they fear.
Click, click, before.
Tick, tick, after.

Faces turn ash from private fears.
Eyes grow wider with public tears.
Click, click, before.
Tick, tick, after.

Each pace brings doctors close to hand.
Each foot brings news they cannot stand.
Click, click, before.
Tick, tick, after.

Keenness of cry, sharpness of pain
The life they knew never again.
Click, click before.
Tick, tick, after.

Click, click, shoes stride across the floor.
Click, click, white coats go through the door.
Click, click, before.
Tick, tick, after..after..after.

(based on an idea after reading an essay by Katherine Uraneck)

• Sandra L. Shea, Ph.D.
• Family and Community Medicine