Night Thoughts

George N. Braman, MD

I too admire those of instant action

Who, presented with a cause, seize on it,

Unperturbed by scruples or distraction,

Not Hamlet-like, agonizing on it.

Here is the surgeon, who with steady hand

Guides his scalpel to a certain fate,

And the soldier, intent to take his stand

Unmoved by doubts, defender of the State.

But those of us who weigh the pros and cons

Must bear the brunt of conscience, and lose sleep

For each failed act; we play the put-upons

Who know the consequences that they reap.

Night falls, the small decisions of the day

Are stalking, like a lioness her prey.

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2007 American College of Physicians