They come to us, both young and old,
Plagued by ailments, manifold.
Suffering obvious in their eyes,
Thinking, am I soon to die?
Tortured, plaintive souls outreaching,
Voices that are so beseeching.
A kindly word of reassurance,
Gentle touch, and calming presence,
Are so soothing and bring a smile;
The patient happy for a while!
As we listen to their complaints,
Without hindrance or restraint.
Acumen of many years,
Earned by dint of sweat and tears,
Guides us as we auscultate,
Ever so gently then palpate.
We reach a possible diagnosis,
Order tests to support this.
Surgery or medication as required,
The patient cured, as we desired.
The happiness and gratitude,
A smile of immense magnitude,
Are the greatest gifts that we desire;
Keep alight the inner fire.
May the staff of Aesculapius,
Forever be there to guide us.
May we forever serve humanity
With God's grace and humility.
Categories:
aesculapius, dedication, emotions,
Form: Rhyme
Night of solstice
On a hot and humid June
The covenant of sisters
Gazing at the signs from the stony mound
On a night where comets fled the sky
We are sisters
We are Kindreds
Sacred daughters of Ophiuchus
Healers from the stars
Healers of Aesculapius
Snake charmers, doctors, herbalist
The thirteenth zodiac from where we came
The serpent staff we are led
We came to heal man
©2016 Bonnie Jennings The Thirteenth Zodiac
Categories:
aesculapius, mythology,
Form: Free verse
There's simply
No magic in life!
Yeah, there's no
magic password "Open Sesame"
Nor an Aladdin's magic lamp,
There's no Midas touch
Nor any Philosopher's Stone,
There's no crystal ball
No magic wand
No flying carpet
Nor a magic mirror;
There's no magic mantra
Nor an Aesculapius' Staff,
No Atlantis,
No Holy Grail,
No Elixir or Ambrosia,
And, no Heaven or Hell;
There will neither be
A Kingdom of Heaven on earth,
Nor an afterlife Paradise!
Beseech not
the hand of Lady Luck
Nor pin your hopes
on that pot of gold,
Do not embark on a voyage
seeking the Treasure Island,
Nor venture out to find
the fabulous Eldorado.
In the sweat of his face
Man will eat his bread
until into the ground
forever he is laid,
For he is born of dust
And unto dust he'll return!
Categories:
aesculapius, magic,
Form: Free verse