This poem was written mainly from my feelings during experiences in acute services but also in response to listening to others. It was used in a performance by the Lincoln Mysteries drama therapy group at a conference entitled ‘creativity, culture and consecration’ organised by the Derbyshire Diocese on the 2nd February 2010.

PLEASE DON’T RUSH ME

Targets and deadlines to be met

Budgets to be kept

Please don’t rush me.

 

Pressure from managers and boards

Star ratings the rewards

Please don’t rush me.

 

Patients seen rather than cured

Discharges to be lured

Please don’t rush me.

 

A little longer to heal

Listen to my appeal

Please don’t rush me.

 

The more you try to dash

The deeper I crash

Please don’t rush me.

 

I don’t want to stay for ever

Ties I want to sever

Please don’t rush me.

 

Time spent with me now

Shows me to stay well how

Please don’t rush me.

 

To return to a gainful life

Is the aim to which I strive

Please don’t rush me.

 

This is a matter of life and death

As I struggle from out the depth

Please don’t rush me.

 

Listen to my heartfelt plea

To a simple plea

Please don’t rush me.

Ruth Swift - Lincs.