Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, REPORT FROM THE HOSPITAL, by WISLAWA SZYMBORSKA


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REPORT FROM THE HOSPITAL, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: We used matches to draw lots; who would visit him
Subject(s): Hospitals; Death; Dead, The




We used matches to draw lots; who would visit him.
And I lost. I got up from our table.
Visiting hours were just about to start.


When I said hello he didn't say a word.
I tried to take his hand--he pulled it back
like a hungry dog that won't give up his bone.


He seemed embarrassed about dying.
What do you say to someone like that?
Our eyes never met, like in a faked photograph.


He didn't care if I stayed or left.
He didn't ask about anyone from our table.
Not you, Barry. Or you, Larry. Or you, Harry.


My head started aching. Who's dying on whom?
I went on about modern medicine and the three violets in a jar.
I talked about the sun and faded out.


It's a good thing they have stairs to run down.
It's a good thing they have gets to let you out.
It's a good thing you're all waiting at our table.


The hospital smell makes me sick.






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