Poem

I know I already posted today but wanted to share this poem I wrote. I submitted it to our class newsletter so it might be published later this week :)

Cadaver Experience

I never thought that death

Could be such a part of life

And learning

A person’s choice

To dedicate their body

Has allowed me to learn

And appreciate

The human form

Nervous at first

Unsure of the sights and smells

I have learned to appreciate the gift

The sacrifice

This person I never knew in life

Has become my greatest teacher

I cut and tear

Touch and feel

Each part of her body

As I struggle to learn the name

Of each muscle, nerve and vessel

But sometimes I pause

And realize

This woman had a life just like me

She had a family

She had dreams

She had desires

Now all that remains is her body

But this body is a gift

Because it is allowing me

To pursue my dream, my desire

To become a doctor

To help others

And for that, I am grateful

I never thought that death

Could be such a part of my life

And my learning

My future intimately connected with someone’s end.