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Doctor Visit

410 Doctor Visit

  Doctor Visit

Modishly unshaven
his gristled pepper beard
shadowing the arroyos in his face

the doctor circles about me
tapping as if I were cavitied

a roadside bomb
delicate

Calling me my friend
as if to disarm me

Asking for my diagnosis
of life toward eighty

And I wonder who his doctor is

those tired eyes

Laying a heavy arm
on my shoulder
for support

Slouching toward reception
saying to come back
if I hear a ticking sound

I told him a story
to make him laugh

March 11, 2010

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