The Beast within Me
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.