Ataxophobia

A glance at the kitchen clock

told him that they had

only a few seconds alone.

He straightened his tie

in the hall mirror

and put on his jacket.

It was a hot February day,

so there was no need

for his old overcoat.

And the county ambulance

that contained the doctor

was unlikely to be in a hurry.

Prisoners in their orange uniforms

turned, stood at attention,

and bowed their shaved heads.

The control of so many prisoners

with so few guards required

a copious flow of information.