Clown fish cavorted
in the waiting room -
The John Olsen painting
was perfectly placed.

'Coffee?
Mr. Negri’s running a bit late...'

Mr. Negri
proffered his apologies.
Affable and modest
his suit was immaculate.

He asked questions with interest,
examined without rushing
and delivered his diagnosis
without bullshit.

A fiendishly complicated
ten hour surgical challenge
with significant risks
and a week in Intensive Care.

Odd how we felt better
after hearing the news?

‘I am in your hands’
said Jerry as he shook his.

Alison Cassidy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/jerry-s-journey-justin-negri/