gal·lows hu·mor
Noun
Grim and ironic humour in a desperate or hopeless
situation.
Last Friday evening I accidentally slopped piping hot soup
into my lap. I jumped and howled
in pain and consequently dumped even more soup on me. Then I ripped my clothes off and headed for a cool shower in
an effort to bring down the temperature of the contact area. By Saturday I had an impressive cluster
of blisters on my thighs so I waddled off to the closest store in search of
antibiotic cream. On Saturday
evening I called the 8-1-1 Healthline for advice on how to deal with the
blisters. A patient nurse answered
my call with a labyrinth of questions.
There is nothing like trying to remember your postal code
while you writhe in pain. I
appreciate that the nurse was following a necessary protocol with both medical
and legal objectives in mind. But
I couldn't help but be struck by the contrast between my ragged agony and her
cool professionalism. Again, I
understand the need for objectivity in these situations. Still, my mind works in metaphors and
descriptive language not inches and number scores. I did far better in describing the blistered area as twice
the size of my palm. I found it
odd that she would ask me the number of blisters. So, finally in exasperation I asked, "do you want me to
give them names?"
I apologized to her saying, "I'm sorry but I just need
a little humour to get me through this right now." And her response was well at least you
don't sound confused or disoriented.
In more than one way my wits were about me.
