Emerg Infect DisEIDEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control and Prevention3294719AD-120410.3201/eid1204.AD1204Another DimensionAnother DimensionBedside MannersBedside MannersWisemanChristopherAddress for correspondence: EID Editor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop D61, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; email: eideditor@cdc.gov42006124623623Keywords: Earthquakevolcano eruptiontidal wavetsunamiepidemicsHow little the dying seem to need—A drink perhaps, a little food,A smile, a hand to hold, medication,A change of clothes, an unspokenUnderstanding about what's happening.You think it would be more, much more,Something more difficult for usTo help with in this great disruption,But perhaps it's because as the huge shapeRears up higher and darker each hourThey are anxious that we should see it tooAnd try to show us with a hand-squeeze.We panic to do more for them,And especially when it's your father,And his eyes are far away, and your tearsAre all down your face and clothes,And he doesn't see them now, but smilesPerhaps, just perhaps because you're there.How little he needs. Just love. More Love.From In John Updike's Room: New and Selected Poems, by Christopher Wiseman.
Copyright 2005 The Porcupine's Quill. Available from www.amazon.com Reprinted with author's permission.
Suggested Citation: Bedside Manners [another dimension]. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2006, April [date cited].http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1204.AD1204