My Saving Grace

By Kamara Fraser

‘My Saving Grace’ is about my dream of becoming a doctor as a high schooler during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

I once found pleasure in a place most children dread 
The home to checkups and surgeries 
And emergency room visits
Where I would observe my heroes helping and healing 

Using Walmart stethoscopes and toys from Target
I used to diagnose my best friend and stuffed animals
A game I enjoyed
Playing the part of the hero

On career day, my white coat was buttoned
I wandered the school halls with my tools in hand
Proud of my make-believe profession
Then the world changed

The pandemic spread quickly
With it, loneliness became all too familiar a feeling
Locked-down, locked-in, and lock-ing people out
Together, my family watched the news

Could we be next? The fear splintered me like a puzzle
Death rates rose, my sanity declined
Agonizing news lingered and my helplessness grew
But always, the end of shift applause would piece me back together

Essential workers up at the brink of dawn
Dressed in hazmat suits and superhero capes 
Making sacrifices that nobody can see
Scrubs on, saving lives and gifting breath

I dream of becoming a hero
Of protecting a life with my bare hands
I will bring color to a world in black and white for I am the light in the dark 
Remember me