i get little respect
in the doctor's office
when i'm telling him
about my problems

he nods to make me think
he's listening
and then procedes
to rub my shoulders

as i get older and return
i suspect he'll show greater concern
when the shoulder is fixed in place
and wrinkles write pain into my face

or if some hole is bleeding
or a new hole has formed
or if an expensive scan of my cynical brain
reveals parts that may have been misinformed