No Public Option - a graphic poem

[garthranzz]

Graphic in terms of images, not (yet) graphic as in pictures (graphic novel) - though if someone wants to add them, please... I know poems aren't big here, though they used to be a vital part of politics. But some might find it interesting, so...]

NO PUBLIC OPTION

The amputee was on the street again,
on a crushed up cardboard box
this time, his stubs dangling over the curb,
that frozen smile moving across his face
as it so often did.

I tried to turn away
but the eye in his hand held mine in thrall
and from within the wires on his throat
he rasped a spittled straining note:

Wheelchairs without legs,
in rows of sterile halls,
linen beds of urine bleach
and IV’s twirling on a leash
and nurses frantic for a gown -
the patient’s bleeding into town.

Doctor, doctor have you no cure?
I gave a penny to insure -
I have no house or clothes or bed,
I pawned it all for pills and meds.
And where, oh where, is your stethoscope?
swallowed by lies and slippery slopes -
You can’t prescribe or diagnose
without the leprous C.E.O’s.

As for the rasping in my chest,
flip a coin, then, if that’s the test -
heads for cancer, tails for the heart,
so long as it’s not on my chart.
Get sick or so-called pre-exist
get coverage like a pus filled cyst.

He stopped and kind of rolled on his side,
put the eye back in his head,
took the wire from his throat,
No public option, they said. They lied.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Outstanding!

Our congresscritters need to see this...

K&R

:patriot:

[ShortnFiery]

2. Kudos! Well done.

:applause:

[Undercurrent]

3. Powerful images.

Thank you.

More poetry, please!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. ...

:kick:

[me b zola]

5. Very moving

[nolabear]

6. Speak truth to power!

As a poet I've been saddened by the dearth of poetry, songs, any of the arts that are political and brave. Your piece holds up a harsh mirror, as it should. Good writing, and good job.