The ceaseless tone that tells that meds are done
Calls out to nurses full of love, full-stretched
But quick as lightning sure of foot they run,
Each one on the stately monument etched.
The over worked and under paid clichè
Too soon upon our lips for truth to ring
Too comforting to challenge those who say
That worth can be measured like everything.
These faithful friends from four corners serve us
With tireless strain they wash, comfort and feed
Oft praised, extolled, lauded for their service
Critiqued by others for unproven greed
Still human and mortal, fragile and free;
Shows how powerful their compassion can be.
Written for the 70th anniversary of the NHS whilst I was staying in hospital on Thursday 5th July 2018.