I
You presented with subclavian steal, and its rarity excited the attending and residents. We talked about surgery, but you were not a candidate, so we gave you suboxone and let you sleep.
I wrote your discharge summary.
“Disposition: Home.”
Except you don’t have a home. You live on the streets.
So I left it blank.
II
You presented with left-sided lymphadenitis. Three-years-old and the brightest ten minutes of my morning, with a dose of clindamycin you’re back to play-doh and jumping on the bed.
I wrote your discharge summary.
“Disposition: Home”
Except you don’t have a home.
You, mom, and two brothers live in a shelter.
So I left it blank.
III
You presented for alcohol detox. You were anxious not to miss your court date and left against medical advice.
I wrote your discharge summary.
“Disposition: Home.”
Except you don’t have a home.
Your wife, with meth-fueled demons of her own,
accused you of abuse and expelled you from your house.
So I left it blank.