Love Poem: A Nations Medical Shame
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Written by: Joe Maverick

A Nations Medical Shame

Frank and Nada went together like pina-colada
Each half had dreams and brought laughs
He’d open doors and make real sure
That his Nada; he would truly care for.
He also had family from before
They cared for him.  He for them. That
Can’t be ignored.  Well Frank got ill in 2021,
Nada called for help; what else to do?
Ambo’s came calling, her Frank to help
He’s thinking clear?
His birth date he gets it right correcting Nada
To 1962 not 61 here, so she puts some fear upon the shelf
She’s told don’t worry we’ll treat him well
This was by now the triage speaking I make bold to
Tell, yet the lies soon started about where he
Was? Well’ Dispatched supposed to Canberra from
Queanbeyan, she gave an hour and then she rang, to
Canberra. To ask a bit.  There was no Frank!
Some panic hit.  Her man was still there at
Queanbeyan had invasive p c r, then
ICU? What is their plan?
They say Frank’s in for a real fight, but they’ll see him through,
He’ll be alright.  and ring
Whenever you like at all, just be assured Frank’s
Welfare is our first call, yet when she phones no hand picked up..
Hardly ever at all
Really simple stuff.  Then they administered 
The killer remdesivir intravenous tubes plus
Ventilator to her dear.  She’d call by phone
They were always busy, at five they might
Call but the advice they suggested would
Make her dizzy, on the strength on facts we
Can only proclaim they treat him rough as guts its plain… Both
In Canberra and Queanbeyan.  After some days their story
Changed; he was on his way out now a Bronwyn claimed
There was a Dr. Tom and a registrar but as for help they were far; very far,
Fentanyl was next to come, his organs failing, his heart was poorly
Nearly gone. Nada fears murder.
That much is clear, I found I cried a tear as Hoody did! 
My country’s smashed I offer no kid. In despair and longing I call to all Aussies
Wake up and act, just make a plan, now stand tall. And make it strong for those
Like Frank who’ve suffered hard and long, both in Canberra and at Queanbeyan!

©Joe Maverick 10-4-2023