Ironic Satire Poem by shimon weinroth

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