FEATURED POEM:
Between Heartbeats and Heartbreaks
In the quiet of my study, where books stand tall,
I grapple with lessons, hear a distant call.
Exploring how hearts beat, life's fundamental sound,
Amidst these peaceful walls, echoes of war still abound.
Years ago, I fled a land torn apart,
Carrying memories that weigh heavily on my heart.
Now, with coffee in hand, a chair so fair,
Headphones playing tunes, in safe air I declare.
Yes, I am secure, in this haven so mild,
But thoughts of my people, wander unfiled.
As we erect hospitals, with hope and light,
Back home, those sanctuaries face a darker plight.
My worries aren't for me, but for the world's dire state,
It's the struggle of humanity that keeps me awake till late.
In a world of progress, see how far we've strived.
Yet, why such savagery, with cruelty contrived?
Pain and inhumanity––a paradox so stark.
In a time when we light lives, we leave others in the dark.
Hearts can be transplanted, a medical marvel indeed,
But in the chaos of life, why must they shatter and bleed?
I struggle with my studies, in this comforted sphere,
Yet, I must learn, for those I hold dear.
It's not just about me, or the path I've tread,
But for the dreamers, whose hopes are unjustly shed.
A tale of contrasts, where safety and strife collide,
Where knowledge and empathy must walk side by side.
In learning about life, and the beats that give it sound,
I remember those suffering, where peace is yet to be found.
Ali Darwiche
My name is Ali Darwiche, and I am a first-year medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School. My poem, "Between a Heartbeat and a Heartbreak," resonates with the theme of "Revival" by reflecting on the duality of progress and suffering in the world of healthcare. Drawing from my personal journey, from a war-torn background in Lebanon to studying medicine, the poem explores how the advancements in medicine contrast starkly with the ongoing human strife and suffering. This juxtaposition highlights the continuous struggle in healthcare to not only advance technically but also to uphold and revive our humanity. The poem delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of healing, both for patients and healthcare providers, and questions the essence of revival––whether it is a return to a previous state or an evolution into something new and more profound. This piece is particularly close to my heart, as it represents not only my journey into medicine but also my belief in the power of storytelling and poetry, which I have been consistently writing since starting medical school––it has proven healing for me. It is a reminder of the human side of medicine, where each heartbeat and each break tells a story of survival, resilience, and hope.