The Doctor's Letter

Gerald, a senior citizen who still regularly turns out every Saturday to play along with the rest of us 'younger' guys and loves every minute !!

Though never better, I received a doctor's letter
requesting a visit routine,
puzzled all the same, regarding it's aim
to the surgery, I did convene

Reporting at reception, I was accused of deception
"you're not listed here," a lady remarked,
"this cannot be, here's a letter from my GP
though no regular caller," I barked

"Well my good fella, I'll have to go to the cellar"
the secretary grumpily said,
after one hour, she returned even more sour
holding a tattered folder of red

"Now sir please listen, you're not on our system
but it's clear from this old file,
although certainly latent, you once were a patient
so Dr Barker will see you, in a short while"

Whilst sat outside his room, I grew aware of the gloom
as folk waited to be seen,
transfixed to mobile phones, like listless drones,
awaiting a pardon from the queen

In turn, each through the door, then back out as before
still calling and texting,
clutching paper prescriptions, for various afflictions
a due process, I found rather vexing

Soon my turn, to meet a doctor looking stern
weary of the daily regime,
but he broke into a smile, noting the name on the file
"come in, sit down, I want to come clean"

I personally looked you up, from your name on a cup
my grandfather kept in his study,
he was once your GP, and I further decree
a past teammate and buddy

He often spoke of your strong-will and athletic skill
combined, to defeat any foe,
yet down through the years, despite blood, sweat and tears
to his general practice, you'd never go

Now forty years on, how can you go so long
without ever a sick day,
regularly seen, out on the village green,
still playing and plugging away? "

"Now young Dr Barker, let me put down a marker
as to why, I remain free of all ills,
play the game hard but fair, with gusto and flare,
to negate the need for any pills

Always bat straight, to narrow the gate
and bowl to the sweat drips from your brow,
for the simple trick to it, is to keep playing cricket
so look me up, in another forty years from now ! "

 

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Author's Note

Sub note: Playing with a straight bat makes it very difficult for the ball to pass between it and the pads, (batsman's legs) to get him out ! That space between same is known as 'the gate'

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Tom,
"The doctor's letter' was just a kick' to read! A person having something that they can feel passionate about is all important. Health and vitality are connected in what drives us. You have shared a message that really is an iinspiration and needed in this modern day. Blessings Kathy

[Tom]

You nailed it Kathy & thanks for commenting so appropriately!

[-Scribe in Style-]

Well penned! It is written with such skill and fluency n both rhyme and structure.
Thanks
A

[Tom]

A belated thanks Scribe in Style

[Sheila Kline]

It is absolutely amazing that you are able to convey a cricket field full of wisdom, whilst doing so with exceptional rhyme and flow! Yes, indeed - live straight and clean on the green, eat right, exercise, but above all remember the advice given by this dear man as how to remain free of ills without need of pills - now he's got it all figured out when people moan and groan with many a health problem. Tom, we need a big dose of this gentleman's RX for life!
Another entertaining read my friend!

[Tom]

You're so on the money Sheila and thanks for your considered perspective !

[gabrielle]

Truly, healthy, active lifestyle and sense of humour could give us youthful glow. Enjoyed reading this , tom

[Tom]

Fun & laughter indeed gabrielle, the elixir of life & thanks for commenting !

[Peach]

Oh snap! It's really amazing. It made me laugh a little. I was surprised at the end. Keep it up. :)

[Tom]

The more laughter the better Momo Beans and thanks for reading & reviewing !

[Sami Khalil]

Staying healthy is a matter of discipline and a marker of a healthy lifestyle. To be free of ills is a marvelous thing and an achievement like winning in baseball or other sports. An excellent write, sir Tom...:)......

[Tom]

Yes Sir Sami, you've nailed it & thanks as ever for you're most welcome, cordial visit !

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly. .......:).....

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Wow! And that's the only one of the secrets of staying healthy. The Senior citizen forgot to tell that healthy foods like fruits and vitamins plus good viewpoint in life are also ways of maintaining health. lol

Funny but true. We need to exercise/workout by doing something like you do, Cricket man. :)

Well-done, Tom!

[Tom]

And along with all that Dhaye, a duck egg for breakfast every morning and then we'll take on the world !! ...Thanks for stopping by and commenting for favourably on my poem !