EMERGENCY REPAIRS

When I can fix the world
I will turn to hospital emergency rooms
And make them into places where you can see a doctor
Some time in the first few minutes after you get there.

And if I can’t get that done fast enough
Then I will create a new job
Employing somebody kind and smart
To relieve the suffering of patients who are waiting to see the doctor.

And everyone who works there will help to make this happen
Because they will be delighted to see that there is somebody
Relieving patients suffering
Because relieving patients’ suffering will be the most important thing to them.

The person who is hired to relieve the patients’ suffering
Will be bringing warming blankets to those whose teeth are chattering
And getting frozen ice packs to reduce the pain of swelling
And finding a sling or something to help support your right arm
When they notice that you are holding it up with your left hand
And are likely to be holding it for several hours
While you wait to see the doctor.

The person who is hired will speak loudly to those with poor hearing
And softly to those who are distressed
And kneel down to utter words of kindness
To people who are lying on the floor
Because they are in too much pain to stand
While they wait to get to the front of the line
To be checked in by the nurse
So they can wait to see the doctor.

They will stock the place with chairs that would be comfortable for hours
Since they know before they take you you’ll be sitting there for hours
They will help you get some food if you need food while you are waiting.
They will help you make a phone call since your cell phone is illegal.
And when you tell the story of your visit to Emergency
You will be able to say that you were well treated
Knowing in your heart that somebody cared about your suffering,
And did some basic things to make it better.

You never know how long a change will take
Some changes happen faster than you think.
It just could be that by the time I get these changes made
Somebody else will have figured out how to shorten the waiting time.