Shrink Wrapped Human

a woman looking through a window with bubbles on it

Every autumn, at the marina, they cover boats with tarps or shrink wrap, for winter storage. When I was being prepped for an angiogram, these were my thoughts.

Shrink Wrapped Human

Have you ever been shrink wrapped, without the shrink?
Preparing for a procedure, I was covered with a plastic or paper tarp,
From which a sheer plastic lining was being removed.
My arm was similarly, beautifully, covered in blue.

I didn’t know when the wrap was removed
Thank goodness it hadn’t been shrunken;
But for a moment, I thought I was a boat
Being prepared for winter storage.


Angiogram Prep

Upon being transferred to the operating table
            in a very cold room
A heated blanket was placed beneath me.
This felt so very good and comfy
Another was placed topside before I was
            shrink wrapped.

I was very cozy and sterile
While the procedure was being done
Felt things being done, no pain.
Soon was unwrapped and returned to room.

Have to recuperate for a while,
Then I can go home today, that’s a first.
Now to persue other problems
And hopefully find solutions for them.

Nurses commented about not spilling the bed pan.
I warned them they were providing fodder for poems This was the result.

Uncomfortable
Bed pan sat upon and used
Not a drop was spilled

Nurses were impressed
When nary a drop was spilled
Past experience works.