Doctor Joe

Our family doctor when I was growing up.

with plenty of faded, outdated magazines to read whilst you wait

shuffling in with his familiar gait

as he came in to haphazardly treat

still wearing what he'd just had to eat

giving you the once over, with hands 'pon his hips

cigar stub protruding from his fidgety, parted lips

stethoscope hanging like a necklace 'round his neck

exhibiting an uncouth attitude of, 'what the heck"

thinning locks in need of a comb

at his modest office with his five sons at home

wife as nurse

abrupt and terse

all faithful guide

don't know if she was actually certified

she wore a white uniform and played the part

as she fingered through the cabinet to find your chart

a demeanor that was a wee bit gruff

"now just where did i put that blood pressure cuff"

with his promissory assurance

preferring cash over billed insurance

he went to jail for tax evasion

free vacation, courtesy of an irs invasion

audited with a tad of gentle persuasion

next to his medical books full of what he ought know

they reached into his pocket and took some dough

compromising his hippocratic oath

as he kept track of my bones and growth

a situation of hypocratic woe

wouldn't you know

he literally stole the medicine show

such is the winding tale i sew

of doctor joe

Author's Note

“The doctors are all agreed that I am suffering from want of society. Was never a case like it. First, I did not know that I was suffering at all. Secondly, as an Irishman might say, I had thought it was indigestion of the society I got.” - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

A strong compelling meandering tale showing a slice of life before everyone's practices & manners were put on constant trial with ruthless online commentaries. Yours being presented with the utmost of gentle tolerance steeped in honesty. I found a vintage hospital photo of nurses offering patients in beds cigarettes from a rolling array of smoking possibilities. Have not thought of anything to write about this photo, but your poem sparks plenty of ideas. I love your lackadaisical storytelling style which reflects this doctor's style too. Strong relatable details (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

good word, yes he was lackadaisical. he was just a regular guy who happened to be a doctor rather than the other way around. certainly a no-frills, bare-bones practice, ... :)