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An Explosive Situation

Veteran with a bushy white beardDinosaur-feet slippers in his roomA raspy voice, always looking downHis bird, Angel, and unbelievable storiesDiuresisDischargeThe smell of smokePatient looking down, char behind earMischievous grinAn explosive situationENT to the ORMakeover of charred beard, brows and mustacheBack home to Angel

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Puzzle Incomplete

Trauma shiftHeart transplant patientConsult for bowel ischemiaNo need for surgeryContinued rise in lactateBack and forth to the ICUFamily in waiting roomPuzzle scattered on tableWashout of chestOR brought to ICUIrreversible damageWife hugged and thanked meNew life lost to the nightTears streamPuzzle incomplete