Poem: The Sick and the Restless

The Sick and the Restless
Ode to any active person laden with bronchitis

[Dancers: sit on one back heal, the other leg crossed in front leaning over as if in pain]
“Doctor, I’m sick,” said she
“You must rest, no activity.”
The doctor demanded of her
as she sat on the table.

“But can I exercise?”
“No,” quothe the doctor.
“But can I stroll?”
“No,” quothe the doctor.
“But can I do light weights?”
“No,” quothe the doctor.

“But then what can I do?”
Asked the patient with much on her list
“Nothing,” saith the medically trained,
“You’re job is to get well.”

With tongue depressor in hand
The doctor walked to the garbage can
To discard the germ-covered stick
But only after a quick flourish.

Restless at home sat she,
Burning lungs and tired eyes.
She read and wrote and emailed
Til she couldn't take it any more.

A hot bath [dancers: flail as if bathing]
A stretch or two [dancers: light freeform movements]
And the patient panted in frustration. [dancers: panting with graceful arm movements]
“The doctor is right.”

So she gathered her strength to sit [dancers: sit]
And sit, and sit.
She read and wrote and emailed
Til she couldn’t take it any more.

Shuffling in her house shoes
She longed to breathe deeply again
The cool air without the burn
without worry she would become worse.

She is still sitting and sitting,
Waiting to get better.
Oh sad bronchitis,
Go away to never return.

[dancers: return to first pose]

-March 23, 2006