Sick

[reliarobot]

I've been sick for the last few days

And before that for a week

I'm weak and tired, leaking mucus and coughing

I have to cancel plans to see friends

(I don't want to infect them)

"I'm tired of being sick!"

"I want to be well!"

I say that out loud, but in my own head, I think:

When I'm sick, I don't have to work

My friends offer sympathy and soup

They help me with tasks, and tell me they love me

(I still don't know why)

(And I'm afraid to ask)

I can stay home and rest

And the world goes by outside without me

Nobody says I have to get up, seek justice, put myself in harm's way

I can just be

When I'm sick

So I wonder and wish

Though I know it can't happen

"Why can't I be sick all the time?"