Stories

I am a physician.
I work in the “Crescent”
Rochester’s inner city—
Neighborhoods among the poorest in our state
I care for people who
    might not vote
    might not speak English
    might not read any language
    might live with violence

I listen to their diverse stories
I hear…

    I came from Cuba
    en una lancha, a tiny boat.

    I set foot in Florida…
    they gave me asylum, sent me to Rochester.
    I cannot find work.

    I live across the river
    My husband beat me
    he’s long gone now...
    My son died seven years ago
    Murdered
    I’ll never forget.

    I grew up in this neighborhood
    worked my whole life in the factory
    My retiree benefits just got cut
    I want a prescription for Viagra
    Don’t you have a “private practice” somewhere?
    I’m not like these “others”.

    I am from Puerto Rico
    I lived in New York
    New York got too crazy—I came to Rochester
    Rochester got too crazy—I moved to the suburbs
    I wanted better for my kids
    they still don’t do too good in school…

    I am from Cuba
    I am a dancer
    Soy gay
    Can’t believe I have HIV
    I don’t know a soul here

    I work at the school cafeteria
    Those kids!
    They make me smile
    My doctor—she’s young and cute
    I just love to hug her
    Her pills don’t do much good, but
    I like to ask how her kids are doing

As I doctor, my patients entrust me with
their voices and stories
I receive these precious stories, honoring
people so often unheard.