Notes About The Poem

Indignity of It All

Here I sit,  on an examination table
bored, swinging my feet to and fro
waiting for a doctor who will be able
to diagnose the reason why I feel low

I study the body posters while I wait
in my unfashionable blue paper gown
I must remember to sit up straight
to keep my tushie from being found

Another hour goes by, maybe more
I'm sure I got forty winks in a nap
I can hear him now, outside my door
clicking his tongue then 'rap, rap, rap.'

A cheesy smile then he reads my chart
I could tell him what he needs to know
and doctors are supposed to be so smart
Well, he should have been here long ago.

He shakes my hand then off to the sink
where he washes with ten squirts of soap.
"You think I'm contagious?" I ask with a blink.
"Don't know," he says. "Maybe there's hope."

He inquires, "Now, what seems to be wrong?"
I ramble symptoms; there are many to convey
while squirming from the pinch of my thong.
Shouldn't doctors be old, at least turning gray?

"Lie back," he mumbles, "and I'll check you out.
Blood pressure's high. You have a fever, too."
Into his stethoscope I was tempted to shout
but he hands me a cup and I'm off to the loo.

I clean off the seat from someone's neglect
sit quite impatiently, and desperately I try
to get enough of a specimen for him to inspect
while maneuvering the cup beneath my thigh.

Back to the room and the nurse peeks in.
A frown on her face makes me start to worry.
She seeths the words, "Where have you been?"
"My pee cup runneth over," was my true story.

Dr. OneSoYoung returns and takes a chair.
Eyes of blue, handsome face,  but I digress
while I'm sitting here with my bottom bare
Wondering if my thoughts, I should confess.

"Get dressed," he orders, with a look of dread.
Must be bad news, I tremble, cold with a chill
thinking that by tomorrow I surely will be dead.
"You just have a bad cold and here is your bill."

I spent all morning thinking I was near death
and his diagnosis claims that all I have is a cold.
I peeled off my wrap and said in hissing breath
"Your bedside manner sucks, if truth be told!"

To the pharmacy, I strode with a disgruntled look.
I have to pay a fortune for prescribed medication.
Druggist or physician, which is the biggest crook?
Now I suffer from the malady of acute indignation!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kiser Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:28 PM
That really cracked me up and that cartoon was great! You presented the perfect imagery for that situation; a great comic pen!
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:16 PM
Thank you every so much, M.L.
Sergi Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 11:30 AM
You feel insignificant while the doctor looks at your chart as if you weren't there and you stand semi nude.Talk about bedside manners. A beautiful poem of indignation and shame.
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:16 PM
Thanks so much, Ralph, for the visit and your thoughts.
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 3:07 PM
Stripped of our clothing and our dignity, if you stop and think about it, it is quite comical. You expressed the humor of visiting a doctor's office so splendidly Lin! I love the cartoon. One size paper gown, if you can call it that, doesn't cut it! Lol. A great and clever assessment Lin. : )
Lane Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 4:03 PM
ha and thanks, Connie. Based on the size of the derriere of the cartoon character she'd need two paper gowns. Thanks for enjoying my meditation.
Allison Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 1:21 PM
Sure made me lol I think we have all had a similar experience but at least we don't get fleeced for costly medication:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 2:05 PM
Love making you laugh. I thought the cartoon fit exactly what my patient's dilemma was trying to convey. Thanks, chic.
Smith Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 1:14 PM
It always seems like you either pee a quart or nary a drop, I just hate that part. I think about every body has been in this office. Fun write Lin...
Lane Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 2:01 PM
Yeah, Charlie..that's the truth. Thanks for understanding my meaning.
Smith Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Haha...I know the scene all to well...when you get a good one don't let em go.
Lane Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 2:00 PM
I'm sure ya do, Tim. I love my doctor. She's become more like a friend and she doesn't use paper gowns in her office. LOL Thanks.
Bauer Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 10:26 AM
i think we can all relate to this one, lin! you've described your doctor visit very well and i loved the humor running through it...
Lane Avatar
July 14, 2017 at 10:47 AM
A fabrication in totality, Ilene, but you're right. We've all lived at least some of the scenarios. I'm glad you found it humorous and thanks.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace