Palliative Care Through Song
A reflection on the WHO pain ladder and the gentle easing of suffering

Step 1

Climbing high on the ladder of ache
Step one whispers a choice to make
Ibuprofen dances Tylenol too
Mild pain fades the world feels new

WHO Ladder WHO Climb WHO Ladder

Feel the rhythm of the climb
Each step ticks like borrowed time
Through the pain we’ll save the day
Healing steps WHO’s way

Step 2

Step two calls with a heavier tone
Codeine and Tramadol thrown
Moderate whispers in the night
Pain retreats from the fading fight

WHO Ladder WHO Climb WHO Ladder

Feel the rhythm of the climb
Each step ticks like borrowed time
Through the pain we’ll save the day
Healing steps WHO’s way

Step 3

Step three looms
A shadowed place
Opioids dance with a solemn grace
Morphine sings
Fentanyl cries
Oxycodone’s haze beneath the skies

WHO World Health Organization

Feel the rhythm of the climb
Each step ticks like borrowed time
Through the pain we’ll save the day
Healing steps WHO’s way