Six days before the correct diagnosis:

my wife writhes with stabbing pains; 

dark clouds and her internal organs

twist in a single oppressive clench.

 

A gash of light in the east, and now

a tin grin incision in her Buddha belly

reminds us of our daughter’s braces!

We laugh and trace the angry lips

 

of a fresh six-inch Mona Lisa smile.

Strange ordeal to face in middle age,

but now she wears her scar with pride:

Frankenbelly, she intones, off the slab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

Emergency Appendectomy               for Gepke

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