REFLECTIONS
The Nightingale
By Julie-Kathryn Emily Graham
Title adapted from “ The Raven ” – Edgar Allen Poe . Originally drafted by author in Dec 2 , 1996 , when she was a nursing student at Laurentian University .
Once upon a December ’ s night dreary , As I studied nursing theory , While I pondered Totality and Simultaneity , I heard a flutter and a tapping from at my apartment door . “ Tis my neighbor , tapping at my apartment door , only this and nothing more ”
And as I remember this cold night in December I see the ghosts of our pioneers Through the veil of frustrations tears And I sighed at the thought of tomorrow , Its impending exam brought me great sorrow , Sorrow for I ’ d not yet understood My place in this philosophy , was afraid I never would . Never would , forevermore
And the flutter and the tapping , It continued at my apartment door . And it filled me with fear , that I had felt before . Change elicits fear , and fear impedes change , To welcome change , to deal with fear , To reconstrue my evermore …
And my heartbeat hastened , My breath grew shallow , And as I neared the door , my face turned sallow , My hands were hot as I turned the knob , As each flutter and tap brought me near to a sob .
When I encountered my guest , upon opening the door , I saw a small bird and nothing more . A small , white Nightingale and nothing more .
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