The Golden Knot

Today I found an old necklace that my mother gave to me.

I had taken it off for a surgery rotation.

Jewelry is not allowed in the OR.

But today I found it where I had stowed it away.

It had become a tangled mass,

A brilliant infinite universe of golden knots within knots

But I did not despair, did not put this treasure aside.

I was delighted and intrigued by a beautiful challenge.

I have never met a knot I could not eventually unravel.

I began gently pulling it apart,

Following the intricate pathways that this chain had managed to forge,

Its glittering delicate metal in the sunlight of a new morning,

While I turned it over, exploring every aspect.

I trace my next questions in my mind,

Visualizing where this and that line of inquiry will take me next.

I choose the best course of action,

And unravel this mystery with the finesse of a dance,

Making carefully articulated decisions about where to proceed.

My patience and diligence have paid off.

The small golden chain can now fully elongate,

And stretch gracefully into its original form.

I clasp this simple genuine achievement around my neck,

As a smile of serene joy spreads across my face.

Today a patient came to me.

Full of worry and tangled up in confusion,

So put upon by the countless struggles she has faced,

But for the good of others, decided to stow away her sorrows.

She finally has made time to come to clinic today.

There is so much pain and discomfort that she wants to address,

And cannot even think of where to start.

I can appreciate the brilliant complexity and nuance of her circumstance,

And am intrigued by the challenge, driven by compassion.

I offer a kind gentle smile,

And a promise:

That we will find a path together,

That she deserves to be healed.

I trace my next questions in my mind,

Visualizing where this and that line of inquiry will take me next.

Together, we choose the best course of action,

And unravel this mystery with the finesse of a dance.

I mirror her concerns, with empathy,

Accompanying her with carefully articulated decisions about where to proceed.

Our patience and diligence have paid off.

A sudden flood of tears, a release:

“No doctor has ever listened to me this much.”

My heart connects with hers.

This is therapeutic for both of us.

I feel privileged to have this golden opportunity.

A smile of serene joy spreads across my face.