Like many occasional poems (and I assume this was one), this poem showers a lot of brio, style, and wit on something that may not seem very consequential to someone who doesn't know the person and occasion. It strikes me as being very clever and adept, but not especially funny, except in terms of the distance between the high style of the poem and the low subject matter. The allusions to individuals probably amused the gastroenterologist in question, but are not likely to ring bells with the general public. The public needn't recognize the names to get the general point of the verses, but they may feel shut out of a private joke, to some extent.
Susan
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