As a result of
Profound nearsightedness
And limited household affection
My little kid self
Thrilled
Whenever my ophthalmologist
Raised his eye scope
And pressed his cheek to mine.
The light scent of his aftershave
His calm, steady breathing
The patient clicking of the viewing wheel
As he looked deeper into my eyes
Than anyone.
When I grew enough
To read the eye chart aloud
I missed the surrogate comfort
From the kindly man
In the white coat.