it's not easy being ill,
especially for those around you.
with each new breath you might
cause alarm, mental harm
being ill one must fulfill
expectations and patient stigmas
being in pain or suffering in silence
play the part of martyr or nearly so
wince, grimly sigh and gasp
moan and groan to fit the scene
taking medicines has a protocol
care and pedantic, diligent and dilettante
show some aversion and weariness
lest some say you enjoy pill popping
of substances that contain more than relief
patient and spectator, relative or friend
must have a bond of credibility
so that empathy and sympathy
soar in their company
once it is beleived you are sick
you must keep a level of trust
that you are suffering
to exact commiseration unstinting
so that if, you God forbid,
they will say you always kept a stiff upper lip,
it's so important to make the correct impression
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem