Edwin Litts, a Schenectady native, lives with his wife, two sons, guinea pig, and cat. An avid runner, he recently began writing and has been published online with Matter Press. An Army veteran, Ed received an M.S. Ed. Degree from The College Of Saint Rose
Doctor Calm
I) Fret and Scurry (Find new Doctor)
Toxic world, hazardous too, want to live, must stay cool.
According to my wife it is hard to find a good Doctor, “Most won’t take on any patients new.” If you do get one though, he’ll be available… through and through.
A good Doctor never panics, always is cool, with that reassuring smile forever emits, “May I help you?”
When my previous Doctor retired, his office sent me the news. In that letter were two candidates; I must now choose.
From addresses on that page polar opposites appeared. One within the newer suburb of town, the other, older blocks feared. Probably, brashly dressed, young and new, versus that second; a seasoned and saged tried and true. Experience is valued, we always knew.
Parking near that littered curb, up creaky paint-chipped steps I move. Hoping this practiced Doctor will have that smile, and convincingly greet, “May I help you?”
II) Repose and Happy (found new Doctor)
With the welcome sight of that old-fashioned waiting room, in enters the grey-templed Doctor, white coat starched and cleaned. When I saw him, of course I gleamed.
I knew; thankful, our healthy Doctor-patient relationship grew. A good Doctor never panics, always is cool, with those words we rely on, paternally inquires, “May I help you?”
He maintains that ability to turn insurmountable mountains of medical fears and shrills into just everyday and ordinary ho-hum ant hills.
Always enlightens too, I learn each symptom is a temporary inconvenience; nothing major requiring medical research. “Phewwh!”
A good Doctor of course reassures. When you find yourself in the hospital, hopefully there is one on all tours.
His optimisim lowers blood pressure be told. I’m convinced he could do that for each patient on the globe. Calming the masses could put world strife on hold!
Why can’t all physicians be like my Doctor? I’m thinking you met that gifted one Pure. Where do these super helpers come from? I wonder who their special old-world parents were. Generations have benefited from weathered, steady hands on mother earth’s tiller, Sure!
A good Doctor never panics, always is cool, with predictable smiles, forever assuages , “May I help you?”
Once more wall charts and decanters of cotton ball, another year later that anxious lull. Approaching steps on the floor, now that knock on examining room door. Time to face those results he will deliver, always will be his support in my quiver.
III) Fret and Scurry repeated (Find new Doctor)
Now his fully grey hair confirms rumors he may be retiring by next time. Concerned, do I have just one more heavenly “May I help you? chime?
He opens your file to familiarize himself with your needs. He whispers aloud last year’s notes: “In good health and 151 pounds, it reads.”
“Oh no Doctor, I must have been 171 pounds. I have not been 151 since my high school days back in the sixties. Perhaps your assistant made an inadvertent pencil slight, she have might?”
A grimace fearful of persecution past loudly spittles out, “NO!, YOU WERE 151!” His words feel like a ton. Like a father to me, I am the scolded son.
Oh, what I saw! I would never think about tarnishing his ancestor-valued legacy. Epiphany strikes again; (d)octor is human afterall.
Oh my!, A hopeful young world must never hear….Perhaps there are too few heroes near. A good Doctor never panics and always is cool. His predictable smile teach all to say, “May I help you?”
Toxic world, hazardous too, have to live, must stay cool.