Ten years older

(visit to a doctor)

The other day I went to the hospital in Bilzen
for a research on my birth-marks
(one on my head, one on my belly)
by a lady, a doctor, dermatologist

she told me to come back in a few weeks
in Lanaken
where she has her own private clinic.

I was there, half an hour too early, as I never know
how long it will take
to pass all these small villages in this province.

When I arrived at the little parking lot
in front of her clinic, sort of apartment building, she arrived
at the same time by car: “You are early!”.
I had to wait in the waiting room while she was
cleaning the place, it was after lunch time:
“I do that myself, it takes only a few minutes”.

In the treatment room she asked me: “Just go and sit
on that long table, take off your pants”. I did.
Then she said: “Well, I will take out all your varicose veins”.

“What did you say?” I stammered. “Varicose veins?”
I suddenly felt ten years older.
“You mean, birth-marks, we call it also mother spots,
moedervlekken. I came for my birth-marks”.

“Oh, that is alright. Sorry for that.
I will take away these cute little things. It won’t hurt you”.

The door was opened. A young good looking girl came in
and asked a question. The doctor said: “Just wait a second,
I am operating someone. Will get back to you later”.

Hannie Rouweler
www.hannierouweler.be

new poetry collection: “Moving Spots” (May, 2009)
http://www.lulu.com/content/6358078