Published May 15th, 2025
Featured Poet Contest #5 – First Place
by Gary Beck
Much of America
struggles with inflation,
the cost of living
pressing families
who postpone paying bills,
except for monthly rent,
landlords aren't charitable
for problems of tenants,
while food prices are up
compelling hard choices
in the weekly shopping,
so they can still eat well.
Somehow we don't connect
exorbitant profits
of the oil companies,
other corporations
that repay the people
who buy their products
by not paying taxes
that would have been used
for public services,
including repairs
to bridges and roads
in danger of collapse.
I go to Urgent Care
rather than the wait, the stress
at the emergency room.
It doesn't feel urgent,
but they are efficient.
It doesn't take very long
to see a competent nurse.
The doctor came soon after.
She explained everything,
answered all my questions,
described prescriptions,
made sure they didn't conflict
with my current meds,
made sure I understood
the prognosis,
reassured me
I'd recuperate soon.
I left feeling better
from good treatment.
I'm in the hospital again.
I sit in the waiting room
and don't look at the patients,
some better off than me, some worse.
No one is smiling, looks happy.
We know we have a disease
that can't be treated, can't be cured.
We're monitored every six months,
as long as we're alive,
and it's sort of comforting
that someone still wants to see us.
I see some familiar faces
while waiting for the doctor,
who always look miserable.
I have a different attitude.
I'm living on borrowed time,
so I try to enjoy each day
as long as I can.
About the Poet
Gary Beck resides in New York, New York, United States.
Read the poet's biography on Gary Beck's Artist Page.
Next in Wax Mag #7:
Labor Leader
Poem by Gary Beck
Back to Wax Mag #7
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