Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Doctor's Waiting Room

I arrived early today for the appointment made months ago,
And began the interminable wait to see the medico.
When I checked in it was already half-past noon.
The nurse said, "Take a seat and we'll be with you soon!"

The room was full of people in every kind of condition.
I thought, "Lord! Have mercy! Deliver me from this perdition!
While waiting I'll surely contract a contagious disease I fear,
And be much worse off than when I arrived in here!"

I thumbed through time-worn magazines dating from nineteen fifty-three,
And stared with glazed eyes at unctuous soap operas on TV.
Swallowed stale coffee by the liter from a styrofoam cup,
Not so patiently waiting for my name to be called up!

I tried to snooze but that soon became a sad delusion,
With rowdy kids and constant babble - just too much confusion.
The little old lady next to me told of her every pain and ache,
As I lent a compassionate ear, striving to stay awake!

I was almost tempted to order in a scrumptious pizza pie.
My stomach was growling and suppertime was drawing nigh.
When at last the nurse in all her puffery before me did loom,
And finally ushered me into the harried doctor's examining room!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

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Carolyn Devonshire July 3, 2010 at 2:33 PM :) Bob, those waiting rooms are breading grounds for the spread of illness. And to think you found a magazine from 1953? I can only imagine hoe much fun it was to read. Everyone can relate to the feelings you had in the waiting room, Bob. There's got to be a better way! Had some great laughs reading your poem. Enjoy the Fourth, my friend. Love, Carolyn

Linda-Marie Sweetheart July 3, 2010 at 2:14 PM Another perfect rhyme for your wonderful witty pen and enjoyed immensely.. now are u going to do a free verse for Joe's contest..?? I want to see the King of Rhyme do one ... it will be awesome too.. with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii.. in a tiki bar right now.. AlohA..

Sara Kendrick July 3, 2010 at 12:09 PM That last line makes one wonder if the doctor by that time will be able to make rash decisions...We didn't see the doctor but the PA but it was just to hear from the test that had been done..Most of the time we were in a room to ourselves for they had called him back soon after he got there..But it was one and one-half hours in the little room..Sara

Ralph Taylor July 3, 2010 at 10:27 AM LOL. I agree with Larry. Great write. Stay cool. Have a happy. Ralphie

Larry Belt July 3, 2010 at 9:44 AM LOL Good write my friend.....and Barb hit the nail on the head.....Larry

Barbara Gorelick July 3, 2010 at 9:38 AM And the rest of the story? Then you waited in the room for 1/2 hr. He spent 3-5 minutes with you...you walked out with no information.. except it would you do you good to lose 30#, from a Dr who is over the limit himself. CAn you tell this speaks to me? loved your write. BG