Word of the Day - zounds

zounds

/zaʊndz/
exclamation
humorous, archaic
Expressing surprise or indignation.

Origin
Late 16th century: contraction from (God)'s wounds (i.e. those of Christ on the Cross).

==========

Each day the doctor does his rounds.
Through wards and patient rooms galore
Each patient whose troubled voice resounds
Though not a one shouts, "Zounds!"

They moan and whine and grumble
As he visits every patient's bed
From their mouths complaints tumble.
Efficient with his orders, Doc doesn't stumble.

At the end of the day he leaves.
And the next shift begins the job.
Though he's gone, none grieves.
Here comes Nurse Sally, in short sleeves.

More than one of the wounded
Cranes up and now does utter, "Zounds!"