He was a rare orchid dealer
Whose dealings were coarse
The c.i.t.e.s. cited permits
But he could show no source
Did they bloom in his mouth?
Did they bloom in his hand
Did they bloom in his pocket?
Did they bloom on demand?
The doctor who invented anesthesia
Could not anesthetize himself
To the pain and shame he felt
When it wore off on a patient
During his first amputation
This giving in is wearing thin