It’s this way please, come on in, have a seat
I imagine you’re here for your vaccine,
Your name – are you able to repeat?
I have a few questions, yes it’s routine
One patient leaves and another comes in
One patient’s pleased and another runs out
All the things that have been said
Whir and flicker in my head
“I can’t stand needles, I may faint
I haven’t a single complaint
Well that hurt more than I thought it would
That stung a little, but then it should
I felt nothing, you’re doing it right
Is that the needle? Get it out of my sight
These antivaxxers should go to hell
There’s risks - I’ll get it just as well
Do you do this day in day out?
Have you had people move or shout?
I’ll hold his arm but make it quick
Oh god, I feel a little sick
It already hurts, is that normal?
All these questions! Very formal
Will we be getting these jabs each year?
I dislike injections, but it’s not a fear
Can my daughter come in with me?
Excuse my son, he has to leave
Why have I got to wait ten minutes?
Third jab! This vaccine has its limits
Flu or covid, can I get both?
It’s people like you who give me hope
It’s my birthday, yet here I am
This room of yours is pretty crammed
Medical student? Are you trained?
I think that I’m going insane!
No need for caution, I’ve been through worse,
Sorry to barge in, I forgot my purse
I’ll warn you now, but I may cry
Is it ok if I close my eyes?
Do I need to remove my shirt?
My life’s in shambles, but I divert
You must be eager to get away,
You should be drinking the day away,
Thank you, what a pleasure it’s been
I’m your last person? What a win”
I pack up my unused equipment
And think of everyone, so different
My mind spins and replays the lyrics
From the Saturday Morning Vaccine Clinic.
Alice Bellan, Nov. 2021