JPF Home Page Forums Creative Arts Forums Creative Writing Forum The Hippocratic Oath (Then and now)

I swear by all the Gods and Goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant. I will apply measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice. If I fulfill this oath and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honored with fame among all men for all time to come; if I transgress it and swear falsely, may the opposite of all this be my lot.

They once swore an oath made to all of the Gods,
To be doctors with all it entailed,
A lifetime of honor for doing it right,
Or live with a curse if they failed.

They've taken the oath that Hippocrates wrote,
And have edited through every line,
Removing the consequence for their mistakes
And links to a power divine.

Injustice and harm once prevented by rules
That were passed down as ethical codes,
Are trumped by the strategies played out in courts
Perfecting defense posture modes.

The medicine practiced for healing the sick
Is now done for symptoms alone,
Prolonging prescriptions and follow-up checks
Are how healthy profits are shown.

The License to ply in the medical trade
Demanding an oath to a creed,
Is rife with unethical dealers of pills
And charlatan’s unbridled greed.

Enjoy life and art all you doctors with heart;
Fame and honor from men for all time.
A pall of the curse for those fat in the purse,
May you pay to the Gods for your crime.

By your sworn oath and ethical guide
Proven by the degrees on your shelf
For your affluence and well deserved pride
Jesus said, "physician, heal thyself..."