her bedside manner

her bedside manner
is exemplary.
four stars.
the cold compress
for the fever,
the aspirin, hot tea.
a thermometer
for beneath your tongue.
she even takes
your pulse,
tells you in a sweet whisper

as she presses her stethoscope

to your chest,
let me get you something
for that cough.
you are in no position
to tell her
how much you adore her
in that white dress
and hat,
those retro nurse shoes. 

you want
to ask her what
she's doing Saturday,
but because of this illness

you aren't quite
ready for that.