Answers

He tempered his childhood fear
of mathematics with a deep belief
in calculators, relying on them
for all but the simplest of problems.

He'd always lamented their inability
to extend beyond that subject,
a problem now solved by using
internet search engines.

Within the past week alone, he's
Googled "What are the best words
of comfort at a funeral?" and
"What is this lump on my head?"

to great success.  He has fixed
his car with the computer's assistance
and plans to ask its advice regarding
how to grow potatoes.

Undiagnosed

I'm trying
to be an optimist.

Your doctor's appointment
is in an hour.

We haven't spoken
since this morning.

I loosen my tie, and
tap a pencil on a notebook.

My worry has settled
into my abdomen.

It is a dull pain, and
a sharp reminder

that I'm trying
to be an optimist.