Trading Symptoms

Headache says –

I’ll see your spasm and

raise you an ache.

Stomach throws down her cards

in disgust.

Lousy hand – she says.

Well – says Headache.

You had a good run.

Look.

You played:

            griping,

            esophageal spasms,

            throat thickening,

            reflux and

            constipation.

Yeah –she says –

And who knows?

Maybe I still have a trick or two

hiding in the pipes.

Headache cleared the pot.

I’ll take it while I can – he shrugged.

Stomach gurgled a salute

and nodded off.