brachiotomy
Part B of the A-Z Unusual Words Challenge
Brachiotomy: the amputation of an arm.
***
As an ex-nurse, I have strong recollections of a patient who sustained a traumatic Brachiotomy in a traffic accident. Bethany Hamilton is a great inspiration to me — as post shark attack — she is living life to the full, one arm down. I am frequently triggered by the sight of vehicle drivers casually driving around with their arm draped outside their window… begging to have it removed!
***
Brachiotomy
One spectacular morning in May
He was cruisin’ along
Enjoying his day.
Singing a bit of a song,
Hugging each sinuous curve
up the Herberton Range he drove.
*
Hey! What a nerve!
What’s that idiot doing?
No time to swerve!
Sudden impact sends his car slewing…
thankfully, not off the edge of the range!
*
His sweet little car was a mess
Oh my! What a change!
He tried not to stress…
at the sight just behind his shoulder…
purple twisted mangled metal
caused him to shudder.
*
An arm lazily hanging out the window
would have suddenly been no more!
After such a close shave with sorrow…
he was most grateful, for sure.
***
Inspired by an accident involving my best friend Susie’s brother, Weston. Reality was far crazier!
Over four decades later, Susie clarified the details. At night, enter one drunk, unlicensed driver — in a vehicle with a dud right headlight — driving on the wrong side of the road… for all appearances, an oncoming motorbike in its correct lane.
The vehicle tore Weston's sleeve and ripped the right mudguard and door off. His gorgeous Morris Minor — which he called The Purple Pooh — came to rest on some bushes, atop the edge of the mountain range… trusty engine still purring! Quite the miracle!
***
Written for the challenge below, by Penny Fuller.
About the Creator
Angie the Archivist 📚🪶
Labrador‘s personality🐕🦺… attention span of a gnat! 🙃
Top Stories: Race Against Time; Elusive Parkrun; Painting Pandemonium
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin5 days ago in Humor
Comments (12)
Holy moly! What a story!
you are indeed among one of the best writers
As a nurse we see "potential for harm" all around us. But maybe others should, too. I once knew a young man unencumbered by losing two legs in a drunken night that ended with passing out on a railroad track. Seeing him water ski with no fear ceased limits from crossing my mind.
The drummer in Def Leppard lost an arm after an accident, too, IIRC. He taight himself to drum again afterwards. Bloody amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecFPU--vvf0
Whoa. That was amazing. Well done.
Woah! What a unique word choice and incredible connection/backstory!! Very well done, Angie!
Well that was gruesome!! Also, the purple pooh made me laugh!! Great work Angie!!!
Eek! I love a Morris Minor! Glad your friend was okay. Loved this, Angie!
Omgggg, that is sooooo terrifying! Also, not me thinking Brachiotomy is the study of Brachiosaurus, lol. Loved your poem!
Oof! Poor guy! It's scary how quickly life can change from one second to the next.
Great word of warning poem! I often think this too!
This is a wonderful tale and poem, Angie. Although I must confess to flinching once or twice!