Frank F. Atanacio Poet Dramatic Verse

Cold, Clinical, Professional

After he was shot,
the doctor told her he would die,
he let her cry,
deep, heaving moans,
heart-wrenching groans,
pain that carried fear
beyond the realm of sorrow,
her son was certain to die by tomorrow,
the doctor hated himself during times like these,
she lost it as she fell to her knees,
cold, clinical, professional,
all went out the door,
the mother cradled like an infant on the floor,
nothing else he could say,
it was such a dark day,
but he didn’t turn away,
he was struck deeply by her pain,
her terror, her strain,
he couldn’t be cold, clinical, professional,
because times like this leaves an emotional stain.

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Carolyn Devonshire March 1, 2009 at 9:20 AM How wonderful to hear of a compassionate heart in one who might otherwise be described as a "cold, clinical, professional." There are doctors who feel, in spite of the generalization people usually make. My doctor is semi-retired now, and I will miss him when he is no longer available. He saved me life -- even made house calls! Imagine that. Carolyn

Michael Jordan February 25, 2009 at 12:12 PM Frank I reckon that Doctors have a very hard job to say the least - Heart wrenching well penned poetry, God Bless, MJ

John Loving Iii February 24, 2009 at 2:01 PM seriously poetic. john

Robin L. Gass February 24, 2009 at 8:33 AM Wonderfully written drama. This is so heartwrenching, Frank. To lose a child is such a terrible thing. The title is right on. We do often see doctors in this light but they are human too and to have to witteness the things that they must so often, would have to tear their hearts out (most, anyway) yet they must remain professional to be able to do their job. Great piece! Love, Robin

Belinda Parish February 24, 2009 at 5:54 AM True to the poem form...Dramatic. I agree with Laurie about hating it why you're crying and some (though they mean well) says, "there, there, don't cry now"... Great write Frank (note: Gettin' Nowhere, FAST...I think we all feel that at one time or another........lol)

Michael Degenhardt February 24, 2009 at 5:36 AM I would never envy the doctor their role at that moment, it's heart wrenching. You've captured that very well and so clearly. Good stuff my friend! Michael

Catherine Reinke February 23, 2009 at 3:35 PM great touching poserful. nice flow. so true isnt it the medical profession. catherine.

Laurie Ginn February 23, 2009 at 2:17 PM I calls um likes I sees um

Laurie Ginn February 23, 2009 at 2:05 PM Wowsers sunshine, you do have a heart. I might have ta start being nice to you or something. I'm glad he let her cry, I hate when people tell you not to. I love the phrase "emotional stain". You never do get them comletely out. Nice job. Laurie

Christopher Higgins February 23, 2009 at 1:55 PM Another strong write from you Frank.