The Eternal Flame

Image source: Unsplash

by Alisa Chen

What is medicine but a light 

Shining through the desperate night?

Though the hounds of death may call

The staff of Asclepius stands tall 

Shining everywhere but on itself

Through dust-laden, ancient shelves

Warmth for the sick and wounded

Before their clock strikes twelve 

Yes, death is an eternal dusk 

On all who walk this mortal plane

Yet it casts no fear on the candle

Burning bright all the same 

This scarlet shall never dim 

Though it may flicker on a whim

Striving to shine through the veil

Bringing those gone to here and well 

History and healers may change

Yet the spirit of sanctity holds its name

Each of us, sworn to fan the flame

Ensure its fire shall flare ablaze 

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Alisa Chen is a third-year medical student at the UTCOMLS

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