The Door

"How are you feeling today?"

is the door
through which
the doctor steps.
Some answer, some don't,
some can't, and some won't.
A trickle may come
that is encouraged to flow.
A flood may result
and cover the floor,
two people bobbing
on words and emotions.
He provides an anchor, an oar,
a will to be present.
Whatever happens,
he must never be distant.
Above all else
it must remain open.
But if it is slammed shut,
he will wait patiently
on the other side.

***