DOCTORS
by Barbara Lynn Terry

I remember when I was little
and I was very ill
the doctor came to the house
and gave me my pill.

I remember that we used to
have him over for dinner
on a Sunday night
and he smiled like a winner.

I remember his nice bedside manner
when he would tell me I would be okay.
He would tell me to just rest
and do my very best.

Then it seemed the great shift happened
and doctors weren't so kind any more.
Doctors now are cold, and if you don't listen
they threaten to kick you right out the door.

Whatever happened to the days
when doctors had friendly ways?
Whatever happened to the banner
of their smile and bedside manner?

Why are they all serious without a smile?
Why do they distance themselves
from the patients who need them
to help them get well?

Is it because of the money they are not making
if they make even one house call?
Is money that more important to them
than their patient's health?

Do they get more money if they see
the patient in the hopsital rather than
at home? Do they even care?
Would they make a house call on a dare?

When we call the doctor today
they set up an appointment in a way
that we either have to see them
in their clinic or at the hospital.

So, whatever happened to the day
when we would invite the doctor
over for dinner and play
card games and just laugh?