Institutionalized
An Instance of Insanity
On Monday afternoon, fifth period
Diana asks, “Can I have a band-aid?’
In the desk drawer among the myriad
Of pens, post-its, and paper clips arrayed,
I pluck one from the box and deposit it
In Diana’s open palm. Thin and light,
Perfect remedy for a paper cut
Or a scab picked off an itchy bug bite
***
But what about a severed artery?
How much could a band-aid absorb before
It oversaturates with red fury
A millisecond perhaps, but no more.
It would be madness and a waste of time
Who would make such a foolish decision?
To think it suitable would be a crime
Inevitable exsanguination
***
In the instance of a deadly snake bite
A band-aid can’t stop the taint of poison
It will just keep the fang marks out of sight
And hiding holes won’t stop any treason
By a body invaded by venom
Only someone who’s lost all their marbles
Would believe they’ve truly solved the problem
When they’ve done nothing to help their troubles
***
And upon an occurrence of cancer
What good can just a simple band-aid do?
There’s really nothing for it to offer
It neither stops the spread nor halts the slew
Of dividing cells in growing tumors
Which require a treatment more aggressive
Only someone in a senseless stupor
Would consider such a plan impressive
***
In the incident of a heart attack
Band-aids are not a viable option
For there exists a most substantial lack
Of any aid in blood circulation
And with a case of cardiac arrest
Can you guess what comes next? The same warning
Not the time to put band-aids to the test
There’s no way they can get a heart pumping
***
Band-aids have a proper use and purpose
Being misapplied leads to disaster
So it goes with other things, even us
What is the role and function of teachers?
What does our society ask of them?
Bulb flashes with light of recognition
Me, a band-aid for symptoms of a system
With quite an underlying condition
Author’s Note: Honored to have this piece selected by RM Stockton as a Top 10 placement in his March Madness Challenge. Check out more winners linked in the story below.
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
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Comments (12)
Band aids are temporary respites
Excellent work, D.K! I could feel the madness welling up. The kind when you feel like someone asked one too many questions -The breaking point! There is no band-aid coming to the rescue.
What a grand perspective here! We want that instant band aid to fix the immediacy of our problems, but we do not want to take the time or exert the effort to treat the real cause of our problems. Freaking brilliant!
A brilliant perspective. Nice exploration!
This, unlike a band aid, can be applied to so many things 🤔
This is a superb analogy! A highly engaging piece D.K. 👏😊
Brilliant. I especially vibe with the final lines: "What is the role and function of teachers? What does our society ask of them? Bulb flashes with light of recognition Me, a band-aid for symptoms of a system With quite an underlying condition"
Oh, D.K., the lot of the teacher is underpaid and undervalued and blamed. I loved this and how you segued from a band aid for a minor cut to what teachers endure. My mom was a teacher, and I know she would have loved your poem along with me.
This was soooo profound and thought provoking. Loved your poem!
I taught professional writing and the intro to rhetoric and English at the US Naval Academy as a military instructor for three years. I accepted the position with the intent of teaching high school English when I retired from the Army. But guess what? Even in an environment where my students had to address me as Sir or Major, I realized that the job was far more challenging than any prior or later assignment while I wore Army Greens. Needless to say, I chose a different profession when I retired. People routinely thank me for my service, but who thanks the teachers? Rachel is spot on. I echo her sentiments with my own. Thank you, DK, for serving and teaching our youth. This is a wonderful, painful ode to a thankless job.
Yes! The expectations on teachers are inordinate! And because it's a vocation and because yiu feel such a responsibility to your kids, you don't want to let them down. But you are one person! I don't understand why people wonder about the problems in society and not feel yhe need to invest in it. Everything needs attention to thrive. Thank you for doing a wonderful job. I left teaching in 2012. Part of me misses it, art of me doesn't. I respect you enormously. Hope Diana's okay.
This. That is indeed all we have become. Sady 🤍