The Indwelling Alchemy of Life

About this poem

This acrostic poem, “The Indwelling Alchemy of Life,” was initially composed on August 8, 2020, at 12:58 PM, to honor and pay tribute to Dr. Golnaz Moazami, MD., ophthalmologist , Harkness Eye Institute, affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York. An astute, caring eye surgeon, Dr. Moazami rescued me from near blindness by skillful diagnosis of the rare disease of ocular sarcoidosis, one of the leading causes of inflammatory eye diseases present in up to 80 percent of patients, and frequently manifested before diagnosis of the underlying systemic disease can be determined. Ocular sarcoidosis is not easy to diagnose; it requires a doctor’s diligent intuitive patience to research and eliminate all other possible causes of ailment and, through a medical process of what I describe poetically as ‘alchemical engagement,’ to hone in on an accurate prognosis in order to eventually recommend and administer effective long term treatment. All of this, Dr. Golnaz Moazami achieved successfully, and I am eternally indebted and thankful. While written to honor Dr. Moazami, this poem extends outwardly to embrace all who recognize and pay obeisance to the brotherhood of divine spirit in all human souls. more »