Keeping Abreast

     I have become paranoid about posting poems before my poetry class has critiqued them.  They are so much better after I've reworked them.  This is the poem I brought to class last night.  It is based on a true story, Will really was the only male nursing student in a lab on breast exams, the rest is all me.  It was my first time writing a poem from three perspectives but it seemed to work.  I have no idea what Will will think of it.

                                    Keeping Abreast

Today's lab is: Guiding Women Through Breast Self-Examination

My son, the lone testosterone in a herd of female nursing students.
Always a loner, my Will,
content in his own company,
most at home in the woods.
He and his roommate have hiked
all over the "Bob".*
They make quite a pair. 

Pair off into groups of two.

Groups of two.  Must be the theme for the day.
...14...15  Thank you God, for making me odd.
I'll partner with Annie the practice dummy
and fake boobs.                --Will

I thought he might grow up to be
an outfitter, a hunting guide.
 
Guide her fingers around the breasts
as if they were the hands on a clock,
working from the outer edge
to the nipple,
moving from hour to hour
hunting for lumps.

This is like hunting
only we are hunting for something we don't want
to bag and tag--like a bear.
We are scouting for grizzlies.          --Will

It is important for her to distinguish
normal, rice textured, breast tissue
from lumps, which may indicate
a problem.

The problem is,
this is unfamiliar territory
so I'll need to search in a grid pattern.
Starting at the bottom of the hill,
I'll work my way up the trails
checking from side to side
noticing the terrain
searching for bears.           --Will

Even if a lump is found,
most are harmless
but occasionally they indicate cancer.
This cannot usually be distinguished
without a biopsy.

The woods are too thick to distinguish
between a black bear and a grizzly,
so I'll mark the position
of any bear sign
and investigate further when I have more light.           --Will

In school, Will was always better
with hands on learning.
I hope nursing school
gives him opportunity
for hands on experience.


10/23/11                                                                *Bob Marshall Wilderness