Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The Fall Risk. At almost 83, I was yet again faced With an operation complex enough to be put under. A large squamous growth on my outer left leg. Arriving at the hospital, concluding a loquacious taxi ride, During which we discussed passing farming practices, I went through the normal drill-- Copay, of course; ID, medical allergies, etc., And the normal anointing of my right wrist With the white bracelet, containing the particulars Which content the medical staff. Then, gently, an additional new bracelet Was juxtaposed by the usual white one-- It was narrower and streamlined and bright yellow-- Large, black lettering announced--'Fall Risk'. Now, I ID and 'label' birds in my pursuit of new species-- Morphology, call,and feathering to yield age and sex. Just as I have done so for many years with birds, The receptionist has ID'ed me as a 'patient type' ! 'Why this manner of ID?', I asked. 'Well, your age for one, and your cane!' Unfortunately, she nailed it--no squirming out-- Just as I make 'positive' bird ID.s, so had she! I am what I am, in this last quarter of my life, And now, just as with my beloved birds, I have been absolutely identified and categorized and banded ! Frank Maurer 10 May 2024 0450 Hours.