Herr Doctor (poem) by Julianza (Julie) Kim Shavin on AuthorsDen

Herr Doctor
by Julianza (Julie) Kim Shavin → (All Poetry by Julianza (Julie) Kim Shavin)
Rated "PG13" by the Author.

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I am getting old? I do not mean any offense. I know there are cases of this illness which are not as severe as others. But there is no excuse for lack of testing when it needs to be done. And I do not mean to be the authority on quality of life. Please read as an opinion piece. I cannot fight with the editor here anymore. It's been sx swipes. I'll try the notepad suggestion.
Herr Doctor For fourteen years the couple has been suing the obstetrician for passing on tests. The child has spina bifida, and how sad, writes the editor of a newsletter, that the parents would have aborted, had they known. At one time, I would have agreed. This is how I know I am old. What do the self-righteous know of raising such a child? What of her daily struggles? Her parents inhabit a life-long prison while Herr Doctor golfs or scubas and tans in Malawi. Let me at him. I want him to care for this child for three days, six. Ten years. A dire case, she is little more than a machine, kept alive by machines, oiled by her parents, themselves machines. Copyright Julianza Shavin 2008

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on March 24, 2009

You make some powerful points that certainly provoke one to ponder, Juli. Also, your poem is a reminder of a world in chaos. Thank you. Love and best wishes,

Regis

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson

Reviewed on March 22, 2009

This is so tragic and tugs on so many emotions.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Hobbs (Reader)

Reviewed on March 21, 2009

Hi Julie
Hear hear! Sometimes we have to use our heads rather than our hearts. I feel for them. Liz

Reviewed by Jon Willey

a tragedy of the heart and soul, as well as a physical tragedy for the child -- your story creates an ache within me -- I sense their pain and anguish -- yet I am unable to alleviate either -- this is the ache of helplessness I feel, for them, this family united in suffering -- peace and love Julianza -- Jon Michael

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Reviewed on March 20, 2009

Is that living for both the child and parents...I don't know...? Ed

Reviewed by Felix Perry

I think you hit on some important issues here that only people who have lived through this can actually judge and be judged. It is a sad world and to watch your children be in such a state must be pure torture.

Fee