the doctor visit

the doctor hits my
knee
with her rubber mallet,

to which I say, ouch.
what the hell?

reflexes are good, she says,
writing that down.

then she
hits me on the back.

thumping me with her fist.
breathing is good,
she says.

then she pokes me in the stomach
with her stethoscope.

what's that for
I ask her.

you forgot my birthday, she
says.

no flowers, no chocolates,
no gifts.

time for a shot, she says.
this will hurt, a lot.

roll over and unbuckle.