29th Prompt from Domina Temporis: Watson's new literary agent
Agent
The agent peered down at the hopeful physician,
who stood at his desk with bound papers in hand.
"So, Doctor Watson, you'd like to be published,
to see your own stories in Punch, or the Strand.
I see you are part of a noble profession,
an ancient, rewarding and proud healing art.
Why take up your pen to write tales of detection,
two worlds which are clearly a long way apart?
What's wrong with penned research on medical matters?
On using your skills for more lofty pursuits?
Or books on anatomy, training young doctors?
Or surgical methods for army recruits?"
~0~
Watson gripped tightly his manuscript bundle
and held his gaze steady, the ghost of a grin…
"This might be the desk of a literary agent,
but I note there are signs of a medic within.
There are iodine stains on one finger, old fellow,
a mark on your ear, from a new stethoscope.
That bill on your table has medical shorthand,
there's the faintest aroma of carbolic soap.
Your letter took several attempts to decipher,
that faint scar on your forearm…a neat scalpel cut,
a callus, left thumb, you have held a retractor,
and that bundle of letters? Tied up with catgut."
~0~
Delight from the agent, a matching expression,
"Doctor Watson, a worthy first client at last!"
"Just trifles I've gleaned from observing the methods
of my journal's main subject." Another line cast.
The housemaid is summoned…over tea, toasted crumpets,
a bargain is sealed and a contract is signed
and the talk is of crime, of the art of deduction,
as they leave all their medical cares far behind.
And thus there begins an historic alliance,
which is destined to flourish to worldwide acclaim.
A partnership built on a sense of adventure,
and joy in a story well told,
a great game.
~0~
