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poetry by j matthew waters

physical empathy


there was a problem with my shoulder
but the x-rays contradicted my word
and when the good doctor pressed here
and prodded there I responded
I could feel no discomfort

my parting orders included the words
‘acute pain’ and it was then I realized
the health system can be like a chameleon

and so I made an appointment with a
physical therapist and she
easily found my trouble spots
exposing them as true weaknesses
addressing and describing them in such a way
that left me smiling and nodding my head

as time went by I assured her
exercises and effort were making a difference
but I sensed she thought otherwise

and though she never called me a liar
she nonchalantly explained how the pain
in my shoulder would never go away
much like the weight placed upon this world




october two thousand nineteen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved

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5 thoughts on “physical empathy

  1. So many beautiful lines here!

  2. This is absolutely stunning; I can feel every word Matthew. Thank you for sharing.
    Best,
    Hermione

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