Night Shift

Night shift was the worst shift for me. I could never orient myself to working at nights. Did a few 11 PM to 7 AM shifts on Ward nine.  Looking out the window toward the train tracks and Simms Brush and Broom factory. Got a bit of a taste for tea during those shifts. Learned to play crib too. Ward nine’s vaulted ceiling and high windows made for a cool Saint John summer night atmosphere. The hospital used these greenish colored light bulbs. Other than the office light coming out from the top half of the half door it was pretty dark. The odd patient would be up late sitting in the alcove. "Keeper, got a light?" Outside the sound of steam or high pressure water carried over from the pulp and paper mill down the street.