Broken elbow
Wrist
Finger
Wrist again
And then
And then
It’s terrifying
Pain and waiting and is it going to be ok?
And time in ICU’s just watching
Surrounded by the sympathetic eyes
Of those exhausted
Overworked
Still caring
Because how do you not?
And how do you put a price on these heads?
How much does it cost to rescue a child’s lost bunny?
Keep it safe while she gets her fibreglass cast?
How much does it cost to care that much?
How much do you stand to lose
When this isn’t free at the point of use?
How much is enough?
Does it go on the side of a damn bus to suit your twisted narrative of what matters?
And if it’s slowly dismantled with stories of us and them
And again
And again
We are told that it’s charity and handouts
And the state should take no responsibility
And it’s right that the cost of a prescription leaves you shaking and terrified
And enter your pin when you’re ready for your drugs for your new anxiety,
Because after 70 years maybe we shouldn’t protect this little piece of equality,
And have you been grateful lately?
You pray you’ll never use it,
Never need it,
That no one overworked and underpaid
Will be the one to tell you if it’s going to be ok.
But if you lose it
You will feel it,
So light some candles on a birthday cake,
Raise a glass to another 70
And then fight
Fight to save it,
Because it may never happen
But it could
And it might
And one day
When you’re the one to need it
I hope you’ll see it.
