He pressed hard
three fingers
on my breast.
He found a lump.
He searched for other signs,
but found none. He looked up.
He seemed surprised
at my calmness, for any sign
he found was proof
the cancer had spread.
However, as he went
he smiled for my benefit.
I smiled back. I did not want
to make him anxious.
The doctor stopped.
His arms dropped.
He cocked his head
a little to the door.
I looked down at the floor,
then out at the street:
the rain-whipped branches
of the winter trees
swaying in the evening breeze.
A street lamp flickered green and orange…
Would you wait a minute please?
I must consult a colleague.
When the other doctor entered
she walked straight up to me
clutched my shoulder,
put her fingers on my breast
and pressed.
She paused a second.
It seemed colder when she moved
away to join the other doctor
in the corridor.