Anesthesiology and poetry.

A grey and cold day in January 1983 the train rolled out from Karlstad’s central station toward oslo, norway, where work waited. A rounded, brown bearded man came down the aisle followed by a slender fellow with a guitar case. Are these seats free, he asked? sure, please sit down. I continued reading my newspaper. Is there anything about me in that paper? I lowered the paper surprised by the question and suddenly recognized Allen ginsberg and his partner and accompanist steven taylor. no, but in yesterday’s paper there was a very positive review of your performance in stockholm. Allen ginsberg and steven taylor were on a recital tour in northern europe, now on their way to oslo. small talk, weather, where from, where to. taylor fell asleep. so you’re an Anesthesiologist?!! I saw the sparkle behind the thick eyeglasses. Which is your favorite drug? Well, it depends on the operation and the patient and... no, no, no which is your personal favorite drug? Carol Wiley Cassella, M.D., Editor