Thoughts of the doctor, nurse, husband, insurance agent and lawyer when Martha dies. |
FIVE FACES OF MARTHA [Martha is dead. Five persons look at her face, each with a different perspective.] DOCTOR: I have done all I could do To save you but, in fact, On my first visit I knew, That it was tough act. You had a pretty advanced State of malignancy. Your lungs were full of shadows. No cure I could fancy. NURSE: Lady, you were brave, I saw No wrinkle on your face. When I said you had cancer, You had not a grimace. You were sweet and nice to all, I wish you had lived more. I shall remember you for Your vitality pure. HUSBAND: Go, Martha, up to heaven And be with Him again. You used to sing His praise when You were in real pain. Go and I will follow you, I cannot live alone. Our children are settled now. There’s no one else at home. INSURANCE AGENT: Good riddance, old lady, you Were a real granny. You could cut down on coma, And save us a penny. LAWYER: Let the husband approach me For a malpractice suit. I have no doubt I will prove Negligence to the boot. I’ll question the diagnosis And even the treatment. I’ll argue that dialysis Could death, truly, prevent. * Written in abcb 7-6-7-6 format. * The poet is an MD turned an attorney. * Malignancy is the medical term for cancer. * Awarded third prize in the BEST OF THE BEST contest, 1058248, 11058248058248 M C Gupta 18 March 2005 |