A Textbook Case Poem by Francie Lynch

I made my Dr.'s appt on time... early... as normal.
And waited one hour. But that's okay.
He takes his time, and will also do so with me.
I'm called in.
I sit, and wait another fifteen minutes. But that's okay.
He arrives. He's older. In fact why hasn't he retired.
But, I'm pleased he hasn't.
'So, ' he begins, as he brings my chart onto his medical screen,
'What brings you here today? '
'I'm concerned about my health. I have a family history that worries me.'
'Oh! ' he sounds. 'What is it in particular that worries you? '
'Death, ' I answered. 'My family...' (and the litany ensued)
'Death! ' I heard. 'Your chart doesn't have any serious health issues to red flag you, ' he consoled.
'True, ' I said. 'But look at my family history. It goes back generations, in Ireland and now in Canada. Both through my maternal and paternal sides. Uncles, Aunts, cousins, brothers, sisters... died. All of them. Is it any wonder. I have a family history of near and distant relatives dying. It's chronic, it's acute. Wars, disease, accidents, suicide. You name it. They've died from it, and I probably will too.'
'A textbook case.' he said. 'Nurse, next.'