Scope 2006 - SIU School of Medicine

WANTED
14
Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese, M.D.
Office of the Dean
female friend,
confidante;
fiftyish,
slightly overweight, but with a warm smile;
must understand, talk, cook and care
like a mother,
but above all, must not die.
Apply.
Please apply
within
SCOPE 2006
My Dearest Reader
John Grace, M.D.
Class of 2000 3rd place, prose
Is this where we are? Is this what we’ve come to? You sitting here reading
this, expecting to get something from it. Me sitting where I was months ago, years ago,
writing this thing hoping to connect to someone who I haven’t even met and maybe
never will. Who is the voyeur here? Me or you?
I suppose there is an argument for each of us. I am opening my mind...a
piece of it anyway...for you to come and see...come and look at...and if that is the case
then it is my privacy that is being violated. But I also have choice in what I choose to
show you and perhaps you tell me too much of yourself by your reaction to what I have
let you see. I’m showing you a movie but while you’re watching it...I’m watching you.
Perhaps we could make this interaction a tad more...shall we say...antagonistic?
The interplay between writer and reader has been too kind for too long. Writers
lead readers on gentle stories...keeping them safe...leading them where they want to go.
Taking them places they’ve already been. There is this kind, benevolent, warm feeling
the writer is there to take care of you. That’s boring. Whoever told you that I was on
your side?
As a matter of fact I don’t think I like you! And the more that I’m talking to
you the more convinced I am. I mean what the hell did you ever do in life! Give me a
break! Who are you? What are you doing reading this? And what do I get from it in
return?
Do you want to keep going? I do. Why stop here? Let’s talk about you just a
little. Why are you reading this? What kind of person would keep going? Are you
stupid? A glutton for punishment? Intrigued? Curious? Lost? Let’s give you the benefit
of the doubt and go with “curious.” Yeah...that feels better doesn’t it?
Relationships...yeah how are those going in your life...crappy huh? Why in
the world do you keep trying? I think you’re a wonderful person...or a pathetic loser! If
I can’t make up my mind...can you tell me?
Now...now the real question begins. Who has seen more...me or you? React
and reveal. Let me see who you are.
For your last glimpse into me...let me say...honestly, truthfully that I love you! I
really do. And whether or not you believe that...tells me everything about you.
SCOPE 2006
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