Came the Docs

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. 

Upon returning, given Europe’s yearnings, 

came the Pox.

Putrid, painful, shameful 

came the Pox. 

Punishment, not for doing, not for yearning, but for getting caught

came the Pox.

Vienna became venereal amid self-righteous whispers, unrelenting pain and pustules,

came the Pox.

And then came the agents of agony, draped in robes of pageantry
prestigious, centuries in the making,
frequently wrong but never in doubt,
came the Docs.

Blood draining, mercury inhaling 
came the Docs.

Copious sweats, choking white foam, brain damage, seizures, and death.

Ah, the stuff of entire careers

came the Docs.