If you’d had told me
Eight and a half years ago
That I would voluntarily
Be a patient
Even a fake one
I probably would’ve laughed at you
Or said no thank you

But the joy I get
From being a fake patient
Is truly wonderful

An exercise in acting
Structured improv in a medical setting
Being aware of your body
And expressions
Keeping your script in mind
Whilst also observing the student doctor
To provide feedback
When you…
I felt…
I would have preferred if…
A lesson in mindfulness

And then there are the other SPs
Delightful humans
From all walks of life
Mostly actors
Often with national tours or commercials
Or regional and off-Broadway credits
To their names

The joy of coming together
To learn
To observe
To educate
To act the patient.