The Other Curse Poem



photo by Jaroslaw Pocztarski


 

Hey all you migraine sufferers out there, let's get even!

Migraine:
Because you have plagued me

All of my life

And my mother before me
I wish you to  
Suffer your own migraine

I wish that your meds

Leave you feeling sappy, stupid, and sleepy
Or cause addiction
Better, I wish you to not take pills

But lie in a dark room sick

For days with a barking dog, a screeching child
And teenagers serenading
you with electric guitars and tambourines 

I wish for nausea

to surge through you and vomit nonstop
until you end up
in the emergency room at midnight

And the lights are too bright

Sirens too blaring
And everyone’s turn
is before yours

I wish you to attend parties that serve only

Red wine and aged cheese
And the hostess is insulted because you
Don’t eat and leave early

Migraine, because you have plagued me all my life

It’s your turn now


 Do you ever suffer from migraines? What therapies have you tried?

What I've Lost and Found: Health

These past few weeks I’ve had a bad cold and cough. I’ve lost my good health. I’ve been too sick to carry on the ordinary tasks of everyday life. Just a trip to the grocery store has been a major challenge. I carry cough drops and tissues; wrap myself in extra layers, scarves and sweaters. I rush home to laze on the couch in front of the TV. Forget my normal routines, forget writing. I feel unproductive, uninspired, zapped, pooped, petered out, and dull.

What I’ve found is a new appreciation for preventative measures. No longer do I think it is silly to sing happy birthday to me while I wash my hands or take the time to look for the wipes at grocery stores to clean my shopping cart handles. I don’t mind standing in line for my flu shot, eating an apple a day to scare the doctor away, exercising, or taking my vitamins.  

I’ve learned that health affects physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing and have started to explore new ways to stay well, new diets, organic fruits and vegetables, vitamin supplements, meditation, alternative medicines, herbs and acupuncture.  

I still ring my doctor when needed and will gratefully take pills to get better, but my best advice? Rely on traditional comforts. Chicken soup is my favorite remedy.

"TO YOUR HEALTH!"

The chicken soup worked. I'm feeling much better now. What is your favorite cold remedy?