Dr. Lalit Narayan wrote this poem while doing his stint as a young Medical graduate at the Tribal Health Initiative, Sittilingi, Tamil Nadu.
original IPAD art- Dr. Rakesh Ramesh
You might be tempted to ask why this has been the best year of my life. Here’s why.
Tiny hands. Big eyes.
The cutest damn expression in the world.
That’s my reward. That’s happiness.
Then I walk out of the labour ward.
I can see hills all around. Green.
That’s my reward. That’s happiness.
My cottage sits on the edge of the forest.
Full of books, art films and insects.
That’s my reward. That’s happiness.
The local women who work at our hospital
Call me ‘Anna‘.
That’s my reward. That’s happiness.
An old therakoote vadiyar
Is grateful I was with him during his second MI.
That’s my reward. That’s happiness.
When death comes. Despair.
Loneliness and gastritis.
I think of my rewards. I try happiness.
could not have said it any better Lalith.
You are called to be a doctor. Enjoy your calling.