Gas or a drip stops the conquest of pain,

And the man promises numbness and bliss

While the drugs shut off the poor patient's brain.

 

Machines beep and buzz as blood flows through vein.

“We’re only as good as you made us,” they hiss

As the man watches the patient’s eyes strain.

 

The surgeons arrive with gloves and disdain.

They start their work with no minute to miss

While the drugs shut off the poor patient's brain.

 

They cut open skin and hope to maintain

Unconscious mind and the pain that is this,

Which is broken and bloody but humane.

 

Surgeons finish and leave tools on the lane.

The man waits for the end of the abyss.

While the drugs shut off the poor patient's brain.

 

The patient's eyes flutter but fail to gain

Qualities lost in that empty, dark kiss.

The man did his job but one mind has been slain,

And on the bed the patient will remain.