ALLERGIES

   

    It doesn't have to be
    a germ at wait.
    Just anything
    my body thinks is strange,
    some substance
    I inhaled or touched or ate
    and instantly
    my body starts to change.
    My skin grows hot or cold.
    I sweat or shake.
    My head
    becomes too heavy for my spine.
    I gag. I gasp.
    My muscles cramp and ache.
    All this
    for what may really be benign.
    I marvel at
    each ready white blood cell.
    I'd give them
    shiny metals to parade
    They're on patrol
    for agents to dispel,
    defend me well
    and seek to be of aid.
    We must maintain the best defense
    and yet our fear
    may be more harmful
    than the threat.

 

Reviews

[Layley Lu]

That's very clever.
Brings to mind the mandatory innoculation of children