The Doctor did examine,
(he was the last one on the list) ,
both arm and wrist of Nana,
so thoroughly that she was pleased.
Perhaps it was a first, and also signal
that this great pilgrimage was
nearing its own end, (don't hold your breath) .
'So much incompetence', she said
'I have been suffering, in my old age
for many months, and ask myself
why God has chosen, in his wisdom
to throw this pie of cruel pain
into the face that has, for ninety years
shown only worship and obedience,
what can it be, perhaps a rare disease
not yet discovered by the greats of Medicine? '

The consultation was now over, what remained
would be instructions and eventual prognosis,
the verdict came out of a learned mouth,
and not a single facial muscles nor a wrinkle
were out of place to undermine the presentation.
'It would be wise to take the bandage and the splint
and place it, gently, for the days that still remain
to the full moon next month, onto the other arm,
so that the bad one has a chance at last to heal.'

Herbert Nehrlich

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/nana-s-bad-arm/