The Medical Inspection

Averil and Jeanne, petticoats lifted, waiting in line,

fine stockings, stained – work only stops

for the doctor’s visit every Tuesday when

clients are few except the painter man

with his stick which stinks

of absinthe and cognac which he says

makes the earth move

but not for the girls

the doctor examines

on Tuesdays.

On Mondays

the doctor examines

but one at a time,

checks the old flesh

of banker and lawyer -when they say

it’s his scope which stinks.

Complaints are few except his sister’s man

who snubs him royally every Tuesday when

he helps himself to fine-stockings-stained

Averil and Jeanne, petticoats lifted, one at a time.