Bethlehem Social Services 2000

BETHLEHEM SOCIAL SERVICES 2000

Good morning Mary! take a seat, Ah yes.
From Galilee; it's' nice down there,
Let's see. Oh dear, it seems you're in a mess,
So let's be honest; tell the truth - and please don't swear
By holy scripture - face the facts of life...
...I'm no more Elvis than are you a virgin wife!

I can pass you to my colleagues in the team
That deals with mental health - if we're agreed;
What's that you say - God came to you - a dream?
Are you on coke, my dear, or is it just the weed?
You're in denial - it's all so clear to we,
Who have the wisdom of a Social Work degree.

A break, perhaps, I need to make a call,
And you need time to settle from your nervous panic,
Would you care to take that seat out in the hall,
Between the 'psycho' and the bloodstained manic,
While I just make a call to your G.P.
To check the records of your therapy,

Well, Mary, now I've talked to Doctor Moore,
And to a psychiatric expert - both agreed
With my assessment - yes, we're absolutely sure
That long-term care is what you really need,
Don't argue, or I'll bring police along,
We three wise men can't possibly be wrong,

I need to take some details for my file,
So fill this form - that's better, Mary dear,
And do be quick - I go off duty in a while,
Just trust me and you've really nought to fear,
Oh Mary, cross out 'STABLE' - that you ain't, I guess;
And anyway, you've put it where it says, 'Address'

I guess that Joseph must feel quite confused,
And may well have mixed feelings for your son
In Joseph's care, he might well be abused,
And my duty is to do what must be done.
The child protection team will take the babe away;
No, you can't see him now - maybe, someday...

The nurses here are really very kind,
And they will gently empty from your brain,
Those fantasies of God that cloud vour mind,
So we'll agree - then you'll be labelled 'sane',
Don't worry that you haven't understood;
I feel so proud that I am doing good,

And Joseph's getting counselling as well,
To come to terms with how you were untrue,
And baby Jesus? Well, I've heard it tell
He's talking now, of 'Daddy' and of you,
"Daddy is In Heaven" - Jesus said;
Did you tell him, Mary, that his father's dead?

Well, visiting is over, mustn't dwell,
I've lots more families in dire need.
But all my team - they want to wish you well,
And hope you're better soon - oh yes, indeed.
Thank goodness for professionals who know...
...much more than folk two thousand years ago.
Paul Styles 2000