Well, it happened. A nasty flu bug came along in the middle of summer and knocked me flat for several days! I haven’t felt so awful since the bug I picked up when I was pregnant with my son, but thankfully my husband avoided it, and our kids each just had a low fever for a day, managing to power through. The bug hit me during my creative streak of the month, though, so I had to write a poem about it. If you’ve ever had to nurse a cranky patient, or felt a little contrary yourself, maybe you can relate!
When Mom gets Sick: A Pity Party of One
I’m here in my nest, feeling sickly and gross,
It’s a waste of your time to try and get close.
Don’t bring me your syrup, don’t think about meds,
My mouth is clamped shut and I’m dozing in bed.
My headache is pounding, my tongue has gone numb,
My brain has shut down and I’m totally dumb.
The bones in my back must be broken in half
For how badly they’re hurting- I’m serious, don’t laugh!
The chills have me shaking, they creep down my spine.
Don’t you dare feed me something to make me feel fine!
The monster inside me just grows and it grows,
Making all of me ache from my head to my toes.
I’m in miserable agony, wasting away.
Can you even imagine my suffering today?
I’m sure you can’t picture — now sit up and listen!
This gut- wrenching story will make your eyes glisten.
My throat is on fire, it’s doubled in size
And its fiery feeling brings tears to my eyes.
My lungs have a rattle, there, lean in real close.
Doesn’t just being near me make YOU feel morose?
My stomach is churning, just thinking of meals.
Don’t you dare bring me soup that supposedly heals!
I’m far past exhausted, no energy left
To explain how I’m lonely and sadly bereft.
There’s no sympathy here, not a tear shed at all.
A more grim situation I cannot recall.
There’s no help for me here, that is simple to see,
So I’ll snuggle up tight, while you please let me be.
I’m trying to sleep, so get out of my hair!
But —
When you come with my tray, set it here on my chair.
