Classic Poem

(For J. F. C., Jr.)

Bound to the polished table, arm and leg,
I lay and watched, with loud, disgusting fear,
The army of the instruments draw near,
Hook, saw, sleek scissor and distorted peg;
My eyes were like a spaniel's when they beg,
The nurses' purpose was so very clear
. . . And though I tried to bite one in the ear
She stayed as white and silent as an egg.

Time, the superb physician, drew his breath,
" I'll just remove Youth, Health and Love, " he said,
" The rest is for Consulting-Surgeon Death. "
God, how I hated that peremptory head!
As through the ether came his sickening drawl
" Now this won't hurt. . . . Oh, it won't hurt at all. "