by Jane Seskin
Trying to make a doctor’s appointment
with a group practice,
13 minutes of nonstop
recorded repetition
(3-4 times each sentence).
“Your call is very important to us
and we look forward to speaking with you.
We know your time is valuable
and assistance is just a moment away.
We apologize for the delay.
We’re experiencing
a high call volume.
A representative
will assist you momentarily.”
And this nugget of intimidation:
“If you choose to hang up,
you’ll lose your place in line.”
They say the call
may be recorded.
Oh yes, oh please, oh yes!
********************************
Jane Seskin is a clinical social worker and the author of Witness To Resilience: Stories of Intimate Violence. Her experiences calling a doctor's office led to this fine piece that appeared In the NY Times, May 23, 2016. Jane is a C2S reader, and her piece is published with her approval.