Sigh
By Lori Harpell
3/25/2024
Feeling like a deflated
balloon,
Swirling in a dirty gutter…
Hazel is confused,
Bob is worn out…
Bathroom to recliner,
Recliner to bathroom…
Hours resting with closed eyes,
Listening to the quiet sounds
outside…
A bed bath,
A hair brushing…
How can that be so
exhausting,
So wearing…
Two voices at once,
Nope not computing…
Eye sight wonky,
When might it come back…
Could my digestive system level out,
How much yogurt can a person eat…
Reading is too hard, Light too bright
and no comprehension…
Distraction is key,
Replay life in my head…
Nope,
That’s too sad…
Think of items from each letter of the
alphabet, Quince and zebra for the
win…
Recline in the dark bedroom,
Listen to a show Bob is
watching…
Imagine meeting people someday,
Facebook friends that are true deep
friends…
Thankful for technology,
Thankful I’m not alone…
Rest and wait,
Rest and wait…
Rest and wait,
Rest and wait…
Rest and wait,
Rest and wait…
Rest and wait,
Rest and wait…
Rest and wait,
Rest and wait…
This essay was submitted as part of the Reflections of ME/CFS, FM, and Long COVID Awareness Day Virtual Event on May 14th, 2024.

Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career – the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.