Tag Archives: Poetry

Salt water

Posted on December 26, 2024 | Leave a comment

A non-exhaustive list of things that have made me cry this week:

Images of a sombre Christmas in Bethlehem in Israeli-occupied West Bank
A squirrel without a tail spotted on my commute
The poem In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa, read by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón
A short video of a cute tortoise
The poem Don’t Name the Dead Children by Michael Rosen
An unexpected message from a friend
A card from Vandrew, the Moon Bear I sponsor, rescued from the bile bear industry
A thoughtful gift
Pleas from the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital for the International community to act “before it is too late”
A podcast episode of This Is Love about bees and grief

A Tranquil Space

Posted on November 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

P__ and I went to Turn Up for Gaza at The Colour Factory. The venue is very cool. The line up was great, hosted by Jen Brister, and including JJ Bola, the repeat beat poet, Rozi Plain, Robyn Rocket and more. A highlight was Donna Thompson who made magic with her voice and a looper. And of course, my all time favourite Hollie McNish, who made me cry, as always. The event was in support of All Our Relations, supporting families displaced by conflict and violence, providing them with the financial, organizational, and emotional aid they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. I hope the event raised a lot of money. You can donate here or use the QR code.

There has been heavy rainfall in Khan Younis and other areas of Gaza. Osama tells me that conditions have deteriorated. There is no infrastructure. There is no shelter. Everything, everywhere is cold and wet. They worry that tents will be flooded and destroyed. I got paid, so I sent his family more money. Please help with whatever you can. I am matching all donations between now and Friday* so whatever you give will be worth double!

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An invitation to An Evening with Death

Posted on April 4, 2013 | 2 comments

Where do you want to die? How do you want to be remembered? What is it like to be present when someone dies?

Death is a subject that it is often difficult to talk about, but is something we all have in common. On this blog I have shared some of my thoughts and experiences as a healthcare professional, having seen death, dying and grief more than most people I know. I have advocated for more open discussions about the fragility of the human body, the limits of medical interventions, and the freedom to live life to the full that might be gained from embracing it’s finite nature.

As a teacher I believe I have a responsibility to prepare medical students to deal with death and grief, and wonder whether we need new ways to do this effectively. Can sharing our experiences with the public be a learning experience for all? Can the arts and humanities help us to cross the ‘us and them’ doctor-public divide?

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Posted in Death

Tagged death, event, grief, health, Poetry

Tag Archives: Poetry

Salt water

A Tranquil Space

An invitation to An Evening with Death

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