After my heart bypass, I got Dressler's syndrome, an inflammation of the pericardium. 
This setback scared the wits out of me and humbled me into taking cardiac rehab 
because I simply could not monitor myself. This was a good program run by a number 
of dedicated rehab nurses. So I wrote them this poem as a gift, but left before they 
saw the poem. I have only seen one of them since, but should go back and thank them 
again. Last month I completed my first triathlon.

This was written in the style of Oh Captain


Oh Pretty Rehab Nurses

Oh, pretty rehab nurses, My time with you is done
And so I write these verses, Because its been such fun.
When I appeared three months ago, My body was a mess
My whole chest ached, my gait was slow, I couldn't handle stress
But oh heart, heart, heart.
With cleared up artery
Your expert care was off the chart
It's been so good for me.

My muscles all had jellified My sternum felt like granite
Until I walked by Kelly's side and sped my pulse with Janet
From pain at last I now am free, no matter what the weather
The cure has been a dose or three of Alix, Mar'lyn, Heather
Now heart, heart, heart.
It plain for all to see
The beautiful and very smart
Nurses who remodeled me.

Oh charming rehab nurses Because of what you do
I've bypassed all reverses, And in good health pulled through.
So, Colleen, Catherine, Kathleen, who monitored my chart.
The greatest change you've made has been, The way you've won my heart.
Dear ladies of the heart.
Who restored my former glee
Perhaps our ways will part
But I will stay in love with thee.

Stanley David Gedzelman
14 December 2002