Of Control

The unknown is covered in a deep coat of fear
It falls–heavy, wet snowflakes
The tumultuous storm blows gales of risk
Making highs higher
Making lows lower

In the clearing,
Wise words from a little snowman:
Control what you can
When everything is out
Of control

I suit up–
Projects planned
Papers published
Innovation glows warmly

The fear on the unknown melts just a little

Notes from the interview that inspired this poem:

This physician described the past year during COVID-19 as “tumultuous.” Though she was relatively new in her field and the challenges involved were many, she was able to work through the difficulty by staying busy. She mentioned the words of the Disney character, Olaf, from the movie “Frozen” regarding working through feelings of helplessness when all around you feels out of control. The physician gained control by launching several initiatives with the trainees in her residency program and with her medical students. At the same time, these activities meant that there were many new projects still hanging around, needing to be completed now that things in the residency program that she helped direct were returning to some normalcy. This was making her reflect on the next steps for her career and how much energy she would be able to muster for whatever steps those might be.

Interviewee: Anonymous, Physician
Listener Poet: Yvette Perry