An Ode to Running Late

I am a GP and I am running late.
Did I miss my alarm and was late to wake?
No, it’s not that.
A patient before you found out she has cancer.
It would not be right to try and hurry her.

I am a GP and I am running late.
Am I drinking tea and eating cake?
No, it’s not that.
A patient before you brought a long list.
It’s hard to deal with all this in 10 minutes.

I am a GP and I am running late.
Am I just reading Facebook?
No, it’s not that.
A district nurse needed something for a patient that is dying.
Keeping to time – I am desperately trying.

I am a GP and I am running late.
Is it because I don’t care about your wait?
No, it’s not that.
A patient before you needed to go to hospital.
Sometimes it takes a while to arrange it all.

I am a GP and I am running late.
Is it because I am being slow and lazy?
No, it’s not that.
A patient before you was suicidal.
These appointments are too short for this I feel.

I am a GP and I am running late.
Is it me that has caused you to wait?
No, it’s not that.
Other people take the time they need.
You will also take the time you need.

I am a GP and I am running late.
I could change this and always run to time.
But we would have to rush through.
You wouldn’t feel listened to.
What might get missed?

I am a GP and I am running late.
You need to tell me your fears.
I want to hear your story.
We need to discuss things thoroughly.
A safe and satisfactory consultation.