Hope shines through the shades of grief

The pandemic paints in many shades.
The loss of chit-chat teatime, loud restaurants, 
graduation ceremonies, the chance to say goodbye.
Gathering for Broadway, shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, waiting for the curtain to go up.
I wonder, will these days come again?
I see the tired eyes of nurses and doctors after an overnight shift,
I know the difficulty of waiting in line for a COVID test.
But I also see a glimpse of hope in the eyes of people.
My friend, build up your grief muscles, like a runner stretching for a marathon.
Go easy with the stormy night, 
the sun will be up soon.

From the artist: The healing power of poetry is immense. As The Apothecary is dedicated to weaving together the realms of medicine and the humanities, I felt that my poem echoes the same purpose.

Dr. Jueria Rahman is a foreign grade physician. She earned her medical degree at Sir Salimullah Medical College and MPH from Stony Brook University. Currently she is working at Elmhurst Hospital, Neurosurgery department as a Research program Coordinator. She is very enthusiastic about Neurosurgical research in the diverse community like Queens. She earned a presidential mini-grant for a research project “Engaging Male Students of Color in Campus Violence Prevention.” She recognized as a COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador for NYC H+H Hospital/Elmhurst. Jueria enjoys reading a good historical fiction with a cup of tea. She loves spending time with her twins.