The Collected Poems: A Soul in Transition

“The poems that began in those early years, when I was 21, would soon be joined by others, reflecting the transitions of my life. I share these intimacies with you. Somehow, along the pathway of my life, I was okay dropping the shield of vulnerability. My life has been, figuratively and literally, an open book. In The Collected Poems, I expose my soul to you.”I am the first physician in my family, but that was not my initial intention. In my family, in those yesteryears of the '50s, family life revolved around Bernie's wishes, and at meal times, quiet was the rule. Our father, Bernard or Bernie, hidden behind a newspaper, was soon joined by my younger sister, Dena, and me. We ate our meals while reading a book. This was "Father Knows Best," but not like the TV show starring Robert Young. Our mother, Rose, and my older sister, Linda, did not fall under Bernie's spell, so to speak.This milieu was coupled with my mother's brother, Herbert's, encouragement to read and triggered a life of bibliomania. Herbert had given me the complete Encyclopedia Britannica. My mission was to read it from cover to cover. Dena was my comrade, and we began our endeavor by reading Shakespeare's plays, speaking the parts of different characters at random.During these adolescent years, one book had special meaning. Passionate Pilgrim, The Life of Vincent Van Gogh, struck my heartstrings. This was it, my calling. I need to tell others about his life of dedication, and how it was thwarted, which directed Van Gogh away from his passion as a clergyman and into the world of art. I will be a teacher of art history. Little did I know that the detour Vincent experienced would also direct my life.My admission to medical school was the result of a guidance counselor who provided little guidance during my early years at the University of Rochester. In fact, I did not know I had a guidance counselor until he called me into his office in my third year, and said, "Strum, what are you doing? You will not be able to graduate with a degree in art history. You took classes in organic chemistry, physics, genetics, and astronomy—what was that all about?" But he added that medical schools are accepting those with a strong liberal arts education. I suggest you apply to medical school. Perhaps they will admit you early, after you complete your third year.I was accepted at the University of Chicago on a scholarship, and began my life in medicine in 1963. It has been a roller coaster journey. I was disappointed by the petty jealousy seen in Academia. Then again, I was lifted high by having mentors like Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (Dr. Ross back then). The faculty that did not teach with love but with intimidation was balanced by the love and care for the student. Alvin Tarlov, Francis Strauss, Mila Pierce, Audrey Evans, and Douglas Buchanan are some who left an indelible mark.This began my journey, my calling, my passion, with all the highs and lows to follow. The poems that began in those early years, when I was 21, would soon be joined by others, reflecting the transitions of my life. I share these intimacies with you. Somehow, along the pathway of my life, I was okay dropping the shield of vulnerability. My life has been, figuratively and literally, an open book. In The Collected Poems, I expose my soul to you. Read more