Priorities

The surgeon was late

Which kept the pathologist waiting

Who, once he’d examined the specimen

Rushed home to see his wife

And smashed up his car and himself on the M5

Which meant that there was a tailback

And John’s bus was stuck in traffic

So he missed his date with Caroline

Who, angry at being stood up

Went to buy some cigarettes

(She wouldn’t normally smoke)

Who’s mother found them later that day

In her coat pocket and told her father

A surgeon who sat and talked to her about

The damage she was doing to herself

Which was ultimately why

The surgeon was late.

©Guy T Martland