In The Cath Lab

You won’t hear them breathe In the cath lab. A calm silence usually Prevails, interrupted occasionally By some familiar sounds: A warm chatter with the patient As he is wheeled in; Witty remarks exchanged Between a young registrar And the twinkle-eyed nurse; At times, loud laughter Wafts in from the coffee room Through unattended doors… Tasteful music plays softly as crisp commands rent the air setting the pace and rhythm of every procedure. You won’t hear them breathe In the cath lab. There is a quiet Confidence, Concentration; Swift, silent efficiency. Not even a whisper Is heard As life meets life In the lab. Every day, On this very stage Several life stories Are played out, Many acts of heroism By the lab team Remain untold. To those who Work within What matters is The spirit That radiates hope Happiness and resilience. I salute them all — Those silent sleuths That work ceaselessly Through pain, Panic and perspiration Simply creating magic. You won’t hear them breathe — In the cath lab.