Overture

Amy Haddad, PhD, RN

Begin with the hands,

washing and warming first

your own.

Do not jump to lumps in the breasts.

Do not poke and prod the liver.

All other organs and body parts

will wait.

Pause, breathe, start.

Slide one index finger to the radial

pulse caught between the slender

bones of the wrist. Slow your beat

to the count you feel there. Hold

the hands as one who understands

the connection to the heart.

Treat them like the last human

hands you will ever touch.

Haddad, Amy (2022). “Overture,” in An Otherwise Healthy Woman, p. 21, The Backwaters Press, Lincoln, NE.

Amy Haddad is a retired professor emerita from Creighton University with a rich background in healthcare and ethics. In her poetry, she draws from her past and present experiences as a vulnerable patient, an overwhelmed family member, and a nurse. In "Overture," the title reflects the dual meaning of it—both a musical introduction and a moment for establishing connection. She explores the nervousness of novice examiners during physical exams and the importance of taking time to connect with patients. Her poem emphasizes how small gestures, like holding hands or pausing to breathe, are crucial for creating meaningful relationships between patients and healthcare professionals. Through her work, she invites readers into the often unseen world of healthcare, highlighting the vital role of empathy and human connection in clinical settings.

You can find more of her work at https://amyhaddadpoetry.com/.