As I sip this potent fluid
I feel the system change
Gurgling
Morphing
Squeezing
Contorting
I drink what you drink
But I pay blood money
An indentured servant
Inside, every fibre of my lanky frame groans
Like a car's brakes on a cold morning
A building on unstable ground
Or the sturdy veins in the grain of a tall tree
Against a strong wind
Ancient, enduring, yet every day coming close to its eve
From birth, everyday dying
You who have seen me under microscope
You who know the composition of my skin
You who told me calmly of my ailment
You left me alone with a tube of steroids
Those who don't know my name
Those from whom I keep secrets
Those who know it only formally
They do not hear me when I cry
Teacher am I slacking?
Doctor do I complain?
Parents do I disappoint?
Friends have I neglected?
Then leave me to the blood;
I will not call you back.
As I sip this potent fluid
I feel the system change
Gurgling
Morphing
Squeezing
Contorting
I drink what you drink
But I pay blood money
An indentured servant
Inside, every fibre of my lanky frame groans
Like a car's brakes on a cold morning
A building on unstable ground
Or the sturdy veins in the grain of a tall tree
Against a strong wind
Ancient, enduring, yet every day coming close to its eve
From birth, everyday dying
Is not "just a skin condition."
Is not contagious.
Is not self-inflicted.
IS AUTOIMMUNE.
P.S. Sorry for spamming with poetry today. I'm finally on break and decided to just upload everything at once while I have the time and energy. >.
I write about a condition called Lichen Sclerosus (also spelled Sclerosis), among other autoimmune conditions.
You can read about this chronic and life-altering condition at the Office of Rare Diseases, National Institute of Health's website:
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Disease.aspx?diseaseID=6905
I also draw and create oil pastel artwork about this condition.