What Is Wanted To Hear Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It only takes the missing to regret,
Something said to a friend...
To express it meant.
Yet can not forget,
Being unable to accept...
A listening first to comprehend and digest.
What a true friend would say,
May not be appreciated to like.
But a friend that is honest,
Could care less what is liked...
When giving their best advice.
And...
To do this for free.
Without paying a fee.
Or a price paid to someone else certified.
Declared to be qualified to say,
What it is that is wanted to hear.
At each appointment made to repeat it.

"So 'doctor'...
You don't think I should diet and exercise? "

-Oh...
No no no.
Not just yet.
I'm still examining your lab tests.-

"That's right.
I forgot.
And how long will that take? "

-Hmmm...
Let's see.
Next week I have that golf tournament,
I told you about.
And then the trip to the islands.
I've been looking forward to take.
How about...
Two sessions more by the end of the month.
Then we can discuss my 'findings',
To decide which exercises...
Would be appropriate for your height.-

"But...
'Doc'?
What about my 'weight'? "

-All my patients ask me the same thing.
Yet...
I'm doing the best I can,
To fit you into my schedule.
Any earlier before that date is impossible.
Unless...
And it happens,
Someone might cancel.
I'll keep my fingers crossed.-