Hi Frank
Like James I thought of Raymond Carver - his poem about seeing the cancer
doctor in particular for some reason.
It's a good'un.
I would just query whether these lines are really needed in what is actually
a pretty tight poem:-
> I want none of them and am happy
> to make small conversation
> for a few minutes
>
> a car
> after all
> is just a car
Helen
----- Original Message -----
From: "Frank" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 8:20 AM
Subject: sub - optioning up a mental illness
> optioning up a mental illness
>
> I'm in town to buy a new car
> have been negotiating price for days
> finally signed the papers
> but I can't escape yet
>
> it is mandatory to sit through a show and tell
> of optional extras
> tinting
> paint protection
> mats for the floor
>
> I want none of them and am happy
> to make small conversation
> for a few minutes
>
> a car
> after all
> is just a car
>
> carla is from sales
> says
>
> you work in psychiatry
> do you
>
> I can't deny it
>
> my son has schizophrenia
> has had it for years
> used to be in the hospital they closed
> you know the one
>
> indeed I do
> I helped to close it
>
> it was terrible what they did to them
> threw half of them out onto the street
> lousy care
> hopeless follow-up
> just lousy
>
> it wasn't right
>
> should I mention that
> what actually happened was ...
>
> perhaps not
>
> yes
> they were shocking
> they had my boy on such strong medication
> that his head hung on one side
> tongue sticking out
> drooling
>
> he had that dyskinesia thing they get
> but I told them not to reduce the dose
> he needed all of it
> I couldn't cope with him otherwise
>
> the new drugs are much better
> aren't they
> he's on the clozaril now
> still shakes a bit with the tremor
> but he can talk and laugh
> make connections
>
> he's doing really well
>
> the new medications have been a revolution
> I agree with her
>
> am wondering if I should
> perhaps
> suggest that I might be interested
> in tinted windows after all
> could she show me ...
>
> I made him leave home a couple of years ago
> look
> it isn't that i didn't want him home
> but what if something happens to me
>
> I'm not young anymore
> and I just thought to myself
> he needs to be able to survive on his own
>
> don't you think
>
> yes
> that's the right way to think
> independence in the long term
> is the only way
>
> are there some brand-name mats available
>
> I'm really proud of him
> he's done well
>
> now
> were you interested in any of these options
> what about tinting
> floor mats perhaps ...
>
> no
> not really
>
> lovely talking
>
> I have to go
>
> goodbye
>
> thank you
>
> ~
>
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