Psalm 999

Bless nhs she cometh in the night to stop my pain-

appendicitis-stealth bomber of the random and unwary

that leaves its dna in every a and e

lo! nhs is there -

she appeareth in the form of rugger playing doctors

racing from their wards or lucky beds

their ample thumbs probe my stomach -

‘where does it hurt - there?’ ‘aaagh!’

nhs protecteth me through drunks and cops to xray-

she smiles - a perfect diagnosis -

as I glide to theatre she floateth o’er the trolley

seals shut my eyes and checks the surgeons

as they cut and slice

she marketh their sewing up severely

dear nhs she liketh not her press nor stalking superbugs

yet still she keepeth faith

and watcheth for us in the shrieking night

Liz Callingham