Sidetracked Charley

The Alien beast living in my body Sounds like a dragon or an invading army. It rumbles in my chest from my tummy   to my throat And spews like a volcano. I try to make it sleep afraid to wake it with that first cough Its tail tickling my throat One cough is never enough From throat to abdomen it runs. And back again at last quiet for the briefest of times Until the dragon again awakes. I did everything I could followed all witchy advice I avoided eastern carriers Drunk elderberry syrup. The witches lied I feel so betrayed huddled here in my cave around the dragon within. Jacqui Binford-Bell Note: I have lost four pounds, perhaps more friends. I am a pariah among my own people. A carrier of the dreaded beast. But today I know I will live. But clean up won't be pretty.

I was practicing the theory of washing hands to avoid illness. Frankly I was feeling very obsessive compulsive with my pocket full of anti-bacteria wipes. And a bit high. The major ingredient is after all alcohol in those things. I thrashed them and decided to use soap in the lavatories. I must admit this cramps my style just a bit. Not everywhere you are in contact with people has public restrooms. I changed to moist towelettes for diaper changing. They don't come in tidy and convenient packages so I had zip lock bags in my pockets. Now I have a cold and very red and raw hands. And I have made all my friends feel like Typhoid Mary. Seems I am not alone. I was listening to NPR this morning about the flu and religious practices. Everything from Holy water to shalom has been condemned. Never mind sitting (or kneeling) close to your fellow worshipers in a pew or on a prayer rug. I am reminded of the time I gave up all food from the sea because of the mercury level. Then all vegetable...