This lovely little poem by physician, poet, and music lover Richard Berlin brings something very common to our attention―something that might be overlooked until we see through the eyes of a poet. Once I read this poem, I couldn't attend a concert or even a simple recital without admiration for the very essential and yet unsung page turner. And I see too in this poem Berlin as a medical student, focused on earning his badge of honor.
The Page Turner
stands heron-still, flexed,
fully alert, focused on the music,
her hand a burst of wind
tossing a white sheet.
While the spotlight admires
the soloist's passion, I love
the page turner even more,
remembering the thrill
of starting at the bottom―
tracking labs, holding retractors,
the lowest rung a badge of honor,
all the confidence earned when
we learn to accept our place.
―Richard Berlin (from his poetry collection Practice, used with permission)
