Winter Blues

A seasonal poem.

It all started with an innocuous sneeze

then a sore throat and a chesty cough;

I could not breathe – could only wheeze –

felt weak and wobbly, and very rough.

I went to the chemist to ask for advice

while under my breath I uttered a curse.

The pharmacist was helpful and nice,

she informed me that I needed a nurse.

Then she added that I might need two:

one for the day and one for the night.

She was serious and I immediately knew

that her prescription was absolutely right.

Although I didn’t feel physically strong

the thought of two girls gave me a thrill.

Then I realised that I got it all wrong

when I was given some medicinal pills.

It took me by surprise when I was told

that ‘day and nurse’ were part of the name

of the decongestant that I had been sold.

My one-track-mind put me to  shame.

© Luigi Pagano 2017