Modesty

I used to think myself demure,

Timid, bashful, coy and shy.

No bold exhibitionist,

No proud narcissist was I.

 

Then a malady dispatched me

To the town infirmary

Where I quickly learned the drill

And lost all sense of modesty.

 

Stripped of clothes and dignity

And any pride one may uphold

I quickly learned to acquiesce and

Simply did as I was told.

 

Nurse, technician and physician

Prodding, poking, nodding, joking,

Open gown exposing flesh to passers-by.

I feel like croaking.

 

Yes, I know it’s necessary.

This is how it needs to be,

But it sure does make it difficult

To embrace modesty.