To the Alfred Hospital

by wayne pollard

Catch the V-line to Naarm.
At 7-11 ante meridiem from Drouin.
After about two hours I arrive at the station of clocks.
Jump on the tram to Commercial Road. Exit the tram at the
Alfred Hospital tram stop. Cross the road to the outpatients.
Reason for visitation leaves ones thoughts
As I rush for the caffeine fix.
Coffee and book are enjoyed in the café.
Done.
Check in and wait at outpatients.
Not much time I wait.
I am called in.
The doctor slides a camera up my left nostril to find its way
to my throat.
All ok I am informed.
Given a long time of no cancer lurking.
I am told by the Doctor this is to be my last appointment.
Another infrequent activity gone.
I shuffle to the tram stop.
The start of the journey to Drouin.
Life just is…

• Demented Echidna Poets Collective, November 2025.