Second Opinions

Lady Liberty told me a secret while in therapy.  

As her psychiatrist, I’m not permitted to repeat it,

but I can tell you this: she stands there all day,

watching the ships arrive and leave, but never gets

to take a swim or a ride on the Staten Island Ferry,

or to enjoy a Broadway play or a hot dog or two

at a Mets game. She can’t go out on dates or see friends.

I wouldn’t call that freedom, would you?  No wonder

she’s tried to commit suicide several times. Dammit,

            that’s the secret I was supposed to keep.

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It is well-known that we tend to re-fight the last war,

instead of the one we’re currently engaged in. This

is true regardless of whether the word “war” is used

literally or figuratively, although, for therapists,

            the latter is far more common, thankfully.

You’re walking along, thinking about nuclear conflict…

and suddenly realize it’s not entirely unlikely

it could happen soon. What a laugh… now that we finally

understand how childhood traumas lead to lifelong suffering,

there could be so little time left. 

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In addition to a President, why not have a King

or Queen of our country? A hereditary monarchy,

with ceremonial responsibilities and maybe

some involvement in diplomacy and disaster relief. 

It could take pressure off the American Presidency. 

Maybe I should go after the position…

I understand why a constitutional monarchy

was rejected in our history, but now it could

fulfill our need for a leader who can foster unity

and help us heal our divided country. In my clinic,

we have a Queen for similar reasons. I should disclose

that I’m not only on staff there, I’m also a patient:

I have delusional disorder… but it’s not so extreme

            that I really think I should be King.