No Extra Charge for Ants

i know we think our
medical system is flawed
(most likely it is)

BUT have you ever
seen an australian baby
in our hospitals

fanned by an old piece
of cardboard, their IV drip
hung on a window

latch, and ants crawling
over their little body
while their tired mum

wonders how she will
pay for the next drip needle
or even enough

water to wash her
little boy lying so ill
nothing will stay in?

© 2016 Melinda Irvine

hygiene standards allow ants and food scraps

what happens at discharge time

drip bags hung on window latches

bring your own food, water and utensils

buy everything from the pharmacy before care is administered

patient care

set up your own bed in the entrance to the hospital