IN HOSPITAL

IN HOSPITAL

(I thought this might be of interest in connection with a hospital story now posted in medhunters.com.)

I stagger from my cranked-up bed,
In truth, a thing of pity.
The view within the looking glass
Is something less than pretty.

I clutch my cunning mini-gown
In vain attempt to alter
Its rear-view's reverse decolletage
As on my way I falter.

I rage within and rant without
At those whose vicious will
Selects such mirrors to distort
The image of the ill.

And then beside me there appears
A vision full of charm
(The lovely features of an aide.)
I shudder with alarm.

For now is plain the awful truth.
It really leaves me shook.
Before I faint I gasp, "Ye gods!
That's how I really look."

Story ID:	462
Written by:	Wanda Molsberry Bates (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Poem
Location:	Manhattan KS USA
Year:	2004